Books in African American Trailblazers series

The history of the United States is filled with African American leaders who heroically fought for equality through words and deeds. These men and women sacrificed their safety and, in some cases, their lives for the cause. One of the most courageous among them is John Lewis, who has been on the front lines of this struggle for decades. From the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s to his present-day work as a United States Congressman, Lewis has fought for equality for all Americans. This book uses photographs, sidebars, and primary sources to examine his greatest achievements, both historical and contemporary, and explore how his bravery and dedication to nonviolent direct action have effected real change in the United States.

The history of the United States is filled with African American leaders who heroically fought for equality through words and deeds. These men and women sacrificed their safety and, in some cases, their lives for the cause. One of the most courageous among them is John Lewis, who has been on the front lines of this struggle for decades. From the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s to his present-day work as a United States Congressman, Lewis has fought for equality for all Americans. This book uses photographs, sidebars, and primary sources to examine his greatest achievements, both historical and contemporary, and explore how his bravery and dedication to nonviolent direct action have effected real change in the United States.

Ida B. Wells-Barnett began her career at sixteen as a teacher and went on to become a lecturer, investigative journalist, and advocate for social justice. As the first journalist to research and document lynching, she battled racial injustice through her writing and public speaking. She was also a women's rights activist who helped organize women's clubs to work toward suffrage and urban reform. Through historical photographs, educational sidebars, and compelling writing, this biography discusses Wells-Barnett's most significant works and her contributions to civil rights and women's suffrage, along with the major events in her life that shaped her work.

Situated firmly in the social and political conditions of the time, this biography illustrates the role African American baseball star Jackie Robinson played in changing not just baseball but society. By breaking the "color barrier" in the major league sport, Robinson paved the way for new opportunities for Americans everywhere. Here, readers will come to know Robinson and his legacy. They'll also learn about such fascinating characters as Branch Rickey, Pee Wee Reese, and Boston City Council member Isadore Muchnick, who threatened to deny the Red Sox a permit to play if they did not let African American ballplayers try out for the team. Plenty of baseball lore and stats will engage young baseball fans, but even readers who have little interest in baseball will be inspired by this story of a man who took on racism and changed the world.

This examination of the life and works of Booker T. Washington stresses his devotion to education as a means of advancement for African Americans. In addition to understanding the life and times of Booker T. Washington, readers will learn about some of the disagreements among African American leaders during the post-Reconstruction years, struggles faced during Washington's life, and successes achieved. Drawing on Washington's own writings as well as those of his contemporaries, this volume gives readers insight into the debates that have informed the civil rights movement since the nineteenth century.

This examination of the life and works of Booker T. Washington stresses his devotion to education as a means of advancement for African Americans. In addition to understanding the life and times of Booker T. Washington, readers will learn about some of the disagreements among African American leaders during the post-Reconstruction years, struggles faced during Washington's life, and successes achieved. Drawing on Washington's own writings as well as those of his contemporaries, this volume gives readers insight into the debates that have informed the civil rights movement since the nineteenth century.

How does a man born into rural poverty overcome prejudice, anger, and a brutal confirmation battle to become the second African American to serve on the highest court in the United States? This book uses sidebars, full-color photographs, and primary sources to explore the life and accomplishments of Justice Clarence Thomas. It highlights his reputation for verbal silence and written dissent, and dives into his judicial philosophy. It illustrates how his unique brand of originalism has impacted Supreme Court decisions involving key constitutional provisions and major issues, such as the possibility of overturning settled law. It delves into the perspectives of his colleagues on the court and his relationships with them. Several sidebars detail some of the inner workings of the Supreme Court. Readers will learn of its procedures and traditions, the role of law clerks, and the contrast between judicial activism and judicial restraint. This essential biography provides a comprehensive view of a man involved in one of the most influential branches of government today.

How does a man born into rural poverty overcome prejudice, anger, and a brutal confirmation battle to become the second African American to serve on the highest court in the United States? This book uses sidebars, full-color photographs, and primary sources to explore the life and accomplishments of Justice Clarence Thomas. It highlights his reputation for verbal silence and written dissent, and dives into his judicial philosophy. It illustrates how his unique brand of originalism has impacted Supreme Court decisions involving key constitutional provisions and major issues, such as the possibility of overturning settled law. It delves into the perspectives of his colleagues on the court and his relationships with them. Several sidebars detail some of the inner workings of the Supreme Court. Readers will learn of its procedures and traditions, the role of law clerks, and the contrast between judicial activism and judicial restraint. This essential biography provides a comprehensive view of a man involved in one of the most influential branches of government today.

This book introduces readers to the fascinating Frederick Douglass, a man born a slave. Douglass taught himself to read, then escaped from slavery to become one of the abolitionist movement's greatest leaders. In addition to telling the story of his life, this biography examines the evolution of his thought and his changing relationships with contemporaries such as William Lloyd Garrison and Abraham Lincoln. Featuring intriguing details about the period before, during, and just after the Civil War, this compelling and inspiring read is rounded out by a liberal use of primary sources.

Situated firmly in the social and political conditions of the time, this biography illustrates the role African American baseball star Jackie Robinson played in changing not just baseball but society. By breaking the "color barrier" in the major league sport, Robinson paved the way for new opportunities for Americans everywhere. Here, readers will come to know Robinson and his legacy. They'll also learn about such fascinating characters as Branch Rickey, Pee Wee Reese, and Boston City Council member Isadore Muchnick, who threatened to deny the Red Sox a permit to play if they did not let African American ballplayers try out for the team. Plenty of baseball lore and stats will engage young baseball fans, but even readers who have little interest in baseball will be inspired by this story of a man who took on racism and changed the world.

This book introduces readers to the fascinating Frederick Douglass, a man born a slave. Douglass taught himself to read, then escaped from slavery to become one of the abolitionist movement's greatest leaders. In addition to telling the story of his life, this biography examines the evolution of his thought and his changing relationships with contemporaries such as William Lloyd Garrison and Abraham Lincoln. Featuring intriguing details about the period before, during, and just after the Civil War, this compelling and inspiring read is rounded out by a liberal use of primary sources.

Ida B. Wells-Barnett began her career at sixteen as a teacher and went on to become a lecturer, investigative journalist, and advocate for social justice. As the first journalist to research and document lynching, she battled racial injustice through her writing and public speaking. She was also a women's rights activist who helped organize women's clubs to work toward suffrage and urban reform. Through historical photographs, educational sidebars, and compelling writing, this biography discusses Wells-Barnett's most significant works and her contributions to civil rights and women's suffrage, along with the major events in her life that shaped her work.