The Struggle for Freedom, a narrative of the black experience in America, uses a distinctive biographical approach to guide the story and animate the history. In each chapter, individual African Americans are the pivot points on which historical changes of the era turn. Life stories capture the rush of events that envelop individuals and illuminate the momentous decisions that, collectively, frame the American past and present.
Inasmuch as that history is grounded in struggle–in the consistent and insistent call to the United States to deliver on the constitutional promises made to all its citizens–this book is also an American history text, weaving into the narrative the milestones of mainstream American history, economy, politics, arts and letters.
This textbook is well written, engaging, and provides excellent coverage. I believe it is the best African American history textbook on the market. Derrick E. White, Florida Atlantic University This text's inclusive nature and abundance of useful information provide the student with a powerful introduction to African American issues. Julian C. Chambliss, Rollins College The inclusion of women in this history is by far the best I have seen. The biographical approach of this text is its strongest aspect, but the inclusion of women's issues make the text even stronger. Yvonne Johnson, Central Missouri State University This is an excellent approach to teaching the `voices' of African American history. I feel confident that my students would respond quite well overall because in general they feel much more passionate about history and its topics if it feels `real' and personal to them. When they understand that history is about folks who lived, cried, struggled, and died just like them and their families, they get it." Diane L. Beers, Holyoke Community College