One of the greatest leaders in American history, Martin Luther King Jr., organized a march from Selma, Alabama, to that state s capital, Montgomery, in 1965. He and other activists wanted to call attention to the civil rights violations that plagued Alabama, as well as the struggle many African Americans were going through to exercise their right to vote. Readers learn about this important moment in American history through comprehensive text, quotes...

Many of the products we use every day were invented by African Americans, although these inventors unfortunately have not often been given credit for their contributions. Readers will take a fascinating look at the black men and women who have helped shape the world as we know it today with their inventions. Engaging text presents a discussion of the lives of prominent black inventors, including the struggles they dealt with in the past and continue...

The enslavement of Africans in America is one of the most shameful aspects of U.S. history. In modern times, some activist groups have called for compensation, also known as reparations, to be made to descendants of slaves. Detailing all the angles of this ongoing debate, this subject is explored through rich main text, engaging sidebars, primary sources, and annotated quotes from influential figures. Readers get a nuanced understanding of the arguments...

The influence of African Americans on music in the United States cannot be overstated. A large variety of musical genres owe their beginnings to black musicians. Jazz, rap, funk, R & B, and even techno have roots in African American culture. This volume chronicles the history of African American music, with spotlights on influential black musicians of the past and present. Historical and contemporary photographs, including primary sources, contribute...

Since the 18th century, African Americans have been contributing important works to American literature. However, their writing has been treated differently than those produced by white authors. Readers discover the challenges black authors have faced in having their work published and being taken seriously by critics and readers alike. Engaging sidebars and detailed photographs augment this comprehensive overview of the racism that still persists...

Many of the most famous faces of the civil rights movement were men, but women played a very large part in the fight for equal rights. Largely ignored by historians as well as by their male contemporaries, it is only relatively recently that the women who

African Americans have fought in every major U.S. war, but even as they fought to defend their country, they also had to battle against prejudice simply because of the color of their skin. From the Buffalo Soldiers and Tuskegee Airmen of the past to today.

From Jackie Robinson to Venus and Serena Williams, African Americans have used sports to fight for social change. Many of them had to fight against discrimination, and their strength in the face of adversity on the field and off has inspired many people.