100 Greatest African Americans: A Biographical Encyclopedia

Since 1619, when Africans first came ashore in the swampy Chesapeake region of Virginia, there have been many individuals whose achievements or strength of character in the face of monumental hardships have called attention to the genius of the African American people. This book attempts to distill from many wonderful possibilities the 100 most outstanding examples of greatness. Pioneering scholar of African American Studies Molefi Kete Asante has used four criteria in his selection: the individual's significance in the general progress of African Americans toward full equality in the American social and political system; self-sacrifice and the demonstration of risk for the collective good; unusual will and determination in the face of the greatest danger or against the most stubborn odds; and personal achievement that reveals the best qualities of the African American people. In adopting these criteria Professor Asante has sought to steer away from the usual standards of popular culture, which often elevates the most popular, the wealthiest, or the most photogenic to the cult of celebrity. The individuals in this book - examples of lasting greatness as opposed to the ephemeral glare of celebrity fame - come from four centuries of African American history.
Each entry includes brief biographical information, relevant dates, an assessment of the individual's place in African American history with particular reference to a historical timeline, and a discussion of his or her unique impact on American society. Numerous pictures and illustrations will accompany the articles. This superb reference work will complement any library and be of special interest to students and scholars of American and African American history.

Presenting short biographies of 100 extraordinary African Americans, this volume serves as a reference for scholars and an inspiration to the general reader. Asante profiles individuals who overcame great difficulty to make a contribution towards social and political equality for African Americans. The author teaches African American studies at Temple University and is the founding editor of the Journal of Black Studies. Annotation c. Book News, Inc.,Portland, OR

School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-This one-volume, alphabetically arranged encyclopedia provides one- to five-page entries on African Americans who have made major contributions to American society since the 18th century. Written in a clear, engaging style, the book includes not only famous individuals, but also people such as John Henrik Clarke, Alexander Crummell, and Benjamin "Pop" Singleton, who are not well represented in other reference works, making it an important addition for libraries. There are entries on religious leaders, such as Richard Allen, Henry Highland Garnet, and Benjamin E. Mays; scientists and inventors, including Charles Drew, Elijah McCoy, and Ernest Just; and visual artists, among them Edmonia Lewis and Romare Bearden. Astronauts, explorers, educators, soldiers, entertainers, scholars, and other professionals are also covered. A black-and-white drawing or photograph depicts each person featured. Some students will be interested in reading this title cover to cover.-Joyce Fay Fletcher, Rippon Middle School, Prince William County, VA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Molefi Kete Asante (Philadelphia, PA), the creator of the first doctoral program in African American Studies, is professor of African American Studies at Temple University and the author of more than 50 books, including Erasing Racism: The Survival of the American Nation and Race, Rhetoric, and Identity: The Architecton of Soul.