Introduction to African American Studies: A Reader

Introduction to African American Studies: A Reader chronicles the experience of African Americans in the United States from their first arrival in 1619 to present day. The reader demonstrates how African Americans and their experiences have shaped America’s historical, political, economic, and cultural history, as well as how the black experience continues to influence American life.

In Part I, students read about the continued significance of race in America and receive a primer on Africana studies. Part II examines the arrival of Africans to America, the Atlantic Slave Trade, slavery and states’ rights in the early republic, and the issue of democracy in Jeffersonian America. Part III contains readings about Jim Crow, the roots of Plessy vs. Ferguson, and the Niagara Movement. In Part IV, students learn about the impact of African American artists on literature, arts, and culture from 1927 – 1940. Part V includes readings on the Civil Rights Movement. The final part speaks to post-racial America in the age of Barack Obama.

Gathering thought-provoking and critical literature, Introduction to African American Studies is an ideal resource for foundational courses within the discipline.

Stephen Balkaran is an instructor of African American studies at Central Connecticut State University, where he initiated, developed, and coordinated a Civil Rights Project (2006 – present). He previously served as an instructor of political science at Quinnipiac University, the University of Connecticut-TRI Campus, Post University, and Capital Community College. Before launching his academic career, Mr. Balkaran worked for the African National Congress (Nelson Mandela’s ruling party in South Africa) in partnership with the University of Connecticut. His educational background spans from the Presentation College in Trinidad, the University of Connecticut, and Quinnipiac University School of Law, including fellowship at Yale University.