50 Events That Shaped African American History

Starred review from February 1, 2020

Wilson (history, Salem State Univ.; Black Panther Party) and more than 80 scholars examine 50 key moments in black history, from the start of the transatlantic slave trade in 1502 to the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in 2016. Along the way, readers will gain insight into Reconstruction, the Great Migration, Jackie Robinson's integration of baseball, the murder of Emmett Till, the rise of Motown records, the election of Barack Obama, and the founding of Black Lives Matter. The work is comprised of broad topic essays; the detailed index is crucial for specific subject access. Each signed, accurate essay includes a time line, related sidebars, brief biographies of relevant individuals, excerpts from primary source documents, and a bibliography. Winnowing down a topic that spans centuries, Wilson has chosen wisely, crafting a rich and varied perspective. Though this work is more general than other similar resources available, its value lies in its broader view of history. VERDICT In distilling African American history down to a series of essential snapshots, this title offers an excellent jumping-off resource for students exploring avenues for research in U.S. history, African American studies, and sociology.--Laurie Selwyn, formerly with Grayson Cty. Law Lib., Sherman, TX

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2020
The events and figures presented here range from the introduction of slavery in the Americas circa 1500 to President Barack Obama's September 2016 speech dedicating the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Major topics, such as the abolitionist movement of 1830-1860, are presented in selective chronologies, narrative accounts of events, sidebars summarizing key issues (like the Underground Railroad), captioned illustrations, in-depth biographies of notable figures, and historical documents (like the Emancipation Proclamation). Among the ten broad topical areas, more specific, not-to-be-forgotten incidents or events are explored?the Harlem Renaissance, Jackie Robinson's entry in major league baseball, Brown v. Board of Education, Emmett Till's murder, the founding of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the Oprah Winfrey Show, the Black Panther Party, and the Black Lives Matter movement. Bibliographies, internal cross references, and a thorough index enhance access to specific topics. This work both updates and complements Stewart King's equally engaging two-volume Encyclopedia of Free Blacks and People of Color in the Americas (2012).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)