African American Literature
Sharing Powerful Stories
Part of the Lucent Library of Black History series
Since the 18th century, African Americans have been contributing important works to American literature. However, their writing has been treated differently than those produced by white authors. Readers discover the challenges black authors have faced in having their work published and being taken seriously by critics and readers alike. Engaging sidebars and detailed photographs augment this comprehensive overview of the racism that still persists in the publishing industry.
The Story of African American Music
Part of the Lucent Library of Black History series
The influence of African Americans on music in the United States cannot be overstated. A large variety of musical genres owe their beginnings to black musicians. Jazz, rap, funk, R&B, and even techno have roots in African American culture. This volume chronicles the history of African American music, with spotlights on influential black musicians of the past and present. Historical and contemporary photographs, including primary sources, contribute to an in-depth look at this essential part of American musical history.
African Americans in Political Office
From the Civil War to the White House
Part of the Lucent Library of Black History series
Barack Obama made history when he became president in 2008, but his election was made possible partially by the hard work of the many African American politicians who came before him. Even before the abolition of slavery, African Americans held political office, although they have not had an easy time of it. This historical overview of black politicians in the United States enhances classroom learning by bringing to light little-known facts, supported by primary sources and a timeline of important events.
African American Entrepreneurs
Stories of Success
Part of the Lucent Library of Black History series
Starting a business is inherently risky, but it has historically been much harder for African Americans due to the systemic racism they face in many different areas. However, many black entrepreneurs have overcome those barriers to create successful businesses, working harder than their white counterparts to achieve similar results. Readers will learn about the history of discrimination against African Americans in the business world and how it has been and still can be combated. Historical and contemporary photographs and a comprehensive timeline shine a spotlight on many African American entrepreneurs who have changed the world.
Reparations for Slavery
The Fight for Compensation
Part of the Lucent Library of Black History series
The enslavement of Africans in America is one of the most shameful aspects of U.S. history. In modern times, some activist groups have called for compensation, also known as reparations, to be made to descendants of slaves. Detailing all the angles of this ongoing debate, this subject is explored through rich main text, engaging sidebars, primary sources, and annotated quotes from influential figures. Readers get a nuanced understanding of the arguments both for and against reparations for slavery, enhancing what they learn in their social studies classes.
Unsung Heroes
Women of the Civil Rights Movement
Part of the Lucent Library of Black History series
Many of the most famous faces of the civil rights movement were men, but women played a very large part in the fight for equal rights. Largely ignored by historians as well as by their male contemporaries, it is only relatively recently that the women who
The Freedom Rides
The Rise of the Civil Rights Movement
Part of the Lucent Library of Black History series
By the middle of the 1900s, African Americans were tired of the discriminatory treatment they had been receiving even after the abolition of slavery nearly 100 years prior. As the American civil rights movement began to grow, a group of courageous activists, called the Freedom Riders, began challenging the segregated status quo. Assisted by engaging fact boxes and a comprehensive text, readers are placed in the middle of the fight for equality. Striking photographs show readers the human aspect of the push, and fight, for greater social equality.
African American Inventors
Overcoming Challenges to Change America
Part of the Lucent Library of Black History series
Many of the products we use every day were invented by African Americans, although these inventors unfortunately have not often been given credit for their contributions. Readers will take a fascinating look at the black men and women who have helped shape the world, as we know it today with their inventions. Engaging text presents a discussion of the lives of prominent black inventors, including the struggles they dealt with in the past and continue to face today. A timeline of important dates, historical and contemporary images, and informative sidebars enhance this frequently overlooked area of history.
The Black Arts Movement
Creating a Cultural Identity
Part of the Lucent Library of Black History series
The black arts movement was led by African Americans between the 1960s and 1970s, and included artists of all kinds, such as poets, writers, actors, musicians, painters, and dancers. The main goal was to encourage black artists to make art that would tell the meaningful stories of black people and their experiences and struggles throughout history. Readers dive deep into this movement as they explore the main text that features annotated quotes from artists and historians. Sidebars and a timeline provide additional information. Historical images including primary sources give readers an up-close look at this pivotal cultural period.
The Transatlantic Slave Trade
Slavery Comes to the New World
Part of the Lucent Library of Black History series
When European settlers first started their migration to the Western Hemisphere, they found land that was ready for farming. To build this agricultural society, they bought and sold slaves from Africa. Through the detailed text, contemporary and historical images, and informative sidebars, readers get a sense of how complex and dangerous the transatlantic slave trade was in the early years of New World exploration. Powerful quotes from primary sources and scholars bring this painful period in America's past to life, asking readers to think more critically about history.
African Americans in Sports
Groundbreakers and Game Changers
Part of the Lucent Library of Black History series
From Jackie Robinson to Venus and Serena Williams, African Americans have used sports to fight for social change. Many of them had to fight against discrimination, and their strength in the face of adversity on the field and off has inspired many people.
Freedom By Force
The History of Slave Rebellions
Part of the Lucent Library of Black History series
When people are routinely and systematically oppressed for years, it is only logical that they eventually rise up against their oppressors. For African slaves in North America, these rebellions were largely unsuccessful. Nevertheless, the anger and uprisings that came from people who wanted their freedom and were willing to fight for it are important parts of the story of the fight to end slavery. Readers get a deeper understanding of crucial slave rebellions throughout history through thoroughly researched text, primary sources, and topical photographs.
African Americans in Film
Issues of Race in Hollywood
Part of the Lucent Library of Black History series
The whitewashing of roles in films and the lack of representation at awards shows such as the Oscars are only two of the career obstacles African American actors and filmmakers have historically faced. Although blackface is now taboo, racism is still prevalent in Hollywood. Readers explore the causes of the systemic oppression that has made it difficult for African Americans to break into the movie business. Through full-color photographs and primary sources, readers will learn how to become more thoughtful viewers of movies and television.
Hidden No More
African American Women in STEM Careers
Part of the Lucent Library of Black History series
In recent years, the stories of black women in scientific and mathematical fields have finally emerged from the shadows of history to inspire new generations of Americans. Through engaging main text filled with quotes from prominent figures, readers understand how black women who pursued careers in science and math helped shape the history of the world and continue to shape its future. Eye-catching photographs make this complex and influential topic easily relatable, while informative sidebars provide a thorough investigation of powerful women in powerful careers.
Marching for Equality
The Journey from Selma to Montgomery
Part of the Lucent Library of Black History series
One of the greatest leaders in American history, Martin Luther King Jr., organized a march from Selma, Alabama, to that state's capital, Montgomery, in 1965. He and other activists wanted to call attention to the civil rights violations that plagued Alabama, as well as the struggle many African Americans were going through to exercise their right to vote. Readers learn about this important moment in American history through comprehensive text, quotes from civil rights leaders, and powerful photographs from the historic march to Montgomery.
Justice for All
Landmark Civil Rights Court Cases
Part of the Lucent Library of Black History series
Black Americans and their allies have sought to use the U.S. court system as a tool in their fight for civil rights, sometimes successfully and sometimes not. However, certain court decisions, especially those handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court, have l
African Americans in the Armed Forces
Part of the Lucent Library of Black History series
African Americans have fought in every major U.S. war, but even as they fought to defend their country, they also had to battle against prejudice simply because of the color of their skin. From the Buffalo Soldiers and Tuskegee Airmen of the past to today.