Synopsis
Mobilized by a common cause and the courage of their convictions, African Americans were able to organize a large-scale upheaval of entrenched national traditions following World War II. While many of these accomplishments predate the civil rights movement, the outlawing of desegregation and attainment of equal rights facilitated a new era of possibility throughout American society. This book details the historic deeds that redefined the American landscape since the 194s, examining the explosion of creativity that ensued in the areas of literature, music, and sports as African Americans explore new opportunities and prospects.
Reviews
This addition to the African American History and Culture series is notable for the depth and breadth of its coverage. Beginning with WWII events that led to integration, the book, illustrated with black-and-white photos, chronologically follows the history of the civil rights movement as well as introducing black influences on literature, sports, and music. Many of the greats in these areas get their own sidebars or discussions, including Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, Ben Webster, and Elgin Baylor, to name just a few (though it�s not always clear why some are in sidebars and others are discussed within the text). A wide variety of topics also get their own sidebars, from Ebonics to the Ink Spots to new jack swing. Although students will find all this information very useful for reports, the writing can be a little dry, and the format is bland. Still, it�s hard to find a single-volume title that covers so much. A time line, glossary, and appendixes of primary sources are appended. Grades 8-12. --Ilene Cooper
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