A History of African-American Leadership

The story of black emancipation is one of the most dramatic themes of American history, covering racism, murder, poverty and extreme heroism. Figures such as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King are the demigods of the freedom movements, both film and household figures. This major text explores the African-American experience of the twentieth century with particular reference to six outstanding race leaders. Their philosophies and strategies for racial advancement are compared and set against the historical framework and constraints within which they functioned.The book alsoexamines the 'grass roots' of black protest movements in America, paying particular attention to the major civil rights organizations as well as black separatist groups such as the Nation of Islam.

Acknowledgements. Publisher's acknowledgements. List of plates. Preface to Third Edition.1 Introduction: African-American Leaders and Limited Options2. Booker T. Washington: Black Enigma. 3. W. E. B. Du Bois: Talented Propagandist.4. Marcus Garvey: Black Moses.5. Martin Luther King, Jr: Apostle of Non-Violence.6. Malcolm X: ‘The Angriest Negro in America’. 7. African-American Women: Heroines & Trailblazers.8. Jesse Jackson: The Rainbow Man. 9. Barack Obama: America’s First Black President.Conclusion. Selected Bibliography.Index.

Bruce J. Dierenfield is Professor of History, Director of the All-College Honors Program, and former Peter Canisius Distinguished Teaching Professor of the African-American Experience at Canisius College in Buffalo, New York. He is the award-winning author of four previous books, including The Civil Rights Movement (2008). John White is Reader Emeritus in American History at the University of Hull. He has taught at the Universities of Michigan, Rochester, Rutgers, California State and Alabama.