Provides information about the Underground Railroad, a network of people in the U.S. who helped slaves escape to freedom; looks at the activities of some of the people who played significant roles in the fight to free the slaves; and explains the signals used to communicate with runaway slaves.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 119-126) and index. A biography, in text and photographs, describing the life of the controversial African-American civil rights activist from his troubled childhood, through his years as a national leader in the Nation of Islam, to his assassination. The most highly recognized series on African Americans celebrates Black History Month all year long! Journey to Freedom: The African American Library provides...
A biography of the African-American educator Mary McLeod Bethune, discussing her role in creating opportunities for African-Americans in education and government.
Eighteenth-century mathematician and astronomer Benjamin Banneker was widely known and respected in his time. Most of what he knew, he taught himself. His letter to Thomas Jefferson asked the future president to reconsider his racial prejudices. Learn about Banneker, who abolitionists would use as proof that people of any race can be equally intelligent. Additional features include detailed captions and sidebars, critical-thinking questions, a phonetic...
Profiles sixteen high-achieving African Americans, including magician Richard Potter, concert singer Sissieretta Jones, and architect Paul R. Williams.
"In 1956, one year before federal troops escorted the Little Rock 9 into Central High School, fourteen year old Jo Ann Allen was one of twelve African-American students who broke the color barrier and integrated Clinton High School in Tennessee. At first things went smoothly for the Clinton 12, but then outside agitators interfered, pitting the townspeople against one another. Uneasiness turned into anger, and even the Clinton Twelve themselves wondered...
Contains biographical sketches of more than 250 women who have helped shape American history from the 1500s to the present day, ranging from Abigail Adams to Christie Todd Whitman, in a completely revised and updated edition published to coincide with Women's History Month.
"As soon as Ann Cole Lowe could walk, her momma and grandma taught her to sew. When her mom died, Ann continued sewing dresses. It wasn't easy, especially when she went to design school and had to learn alone, segregated from the rest of the class. But the work she did set her spirit soaring, as evidenced in the clothes she made. Rarely credited, Ann Cole Lowe became "society's best kept secret." This beautiful picture book shines the spotlight on...
Presents brief biographies of twelve African Americans who courageously fought against racism to become leaders in their fields, including Marian Anderson, Ralph Bunche, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Malcolm X.
Before Madam C.J. Walker launched a line of beauty and hair products for black women, she was Sarah Breedlove, a washerwoman in rural Louisiana. This title presents Walker's fascinating biography, tracing her life from a childhood in poverty to becoming America's first female self-made millionaire. Through accessible text and historical photographs, readers will learn about Walker's entrepreneurial mind and the spirit that allowed her to found a company...
Presents short biographies of ninety-five black Americans from colonial to contemporary times, highlighting their personal achievements and their resulting contributions to the growth of American society.
In 1960, six-year-old Ruby Bridges walked into William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana. She became the first black student to attend the previously all-white school. This event paved the way for widespread school desegregation in the South. Ruby Bridges and the Desegregation of American Schools explores Bridges's legacy.
"When Ruby Bridges was six years old, she became the first African American student to integrate an elementary school in the South. Told in the perspective of her six year old self and based on the pivotal events that happened in 1960, Ruby tells her story like never before. Embracing her name and learning that even at six years old she was able to pave the path for future generations, this is a story full of hope, innocence, and courage"--
For months six-year-old Ruby Bridges must confront the hostility of white parents when she becomes the first African American girl to integrate Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans in 1960.