A Historical Perspective of African Americans

"A Historical Perspective of African Americans is a critical anthology of classic essays, primary documents, interviews, and contemporary analyses of the history and culture of people of African descent in the United States. A readable and engaging alternative to the standard African American studies textbook, the book incorporates multiple perspectives from specialists in the fields of history, literature, philosophy, art history, ethnic studies, and African American Studies. The combination of these scholarly works conveys the triumphs and struggles of African Americans since the colonial era.

Brought together here, this collection has a particular focus on strategies of Black resistance to marginalization, disenfranchisement, and genocide. This book is a critical work of scholarship for students and any reader interested in understanding the crucial journey of survival and persistence of African American people.

Bridget R. Cooks is associate professor in the African American Studies Program and Department of Art History at the University of California, Irvine. Her scholarship focuses on critical race theory, art history, and museum exhibitions.

Karen Kim holds an M.A. in English from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She has taught courses on the intersections of race, class, gender, and sexuality for many years at the University of California, Irvine."