Black Legacy

VOYA - Pat Morrow

When a book brings little-known facts to an audience that deserves to better learn the reality of its past, it should find a place in our collections. Katz's research on New York City's African -American population since settlement there through the 1990s provides much information that will be new to most readers. Legal, political, and social issues impacting the African-American population -from within and without-are documented, from muddy Dutch settlement to diverse urban sprawl, along with the growth of New York City and its white and immigrant populations. Familiar names and events also are documented, but given more attention are the lesser-known people, organizations, and incidents that affected the course of events allowing New York's African-American population to create its own unique personality. Katz considers the impact of events around the country and the world on New Yorkers, war, protest, shifting religious trends. While it is not particularly prosaic, this is a fascinating account for the reader to pursue. Events in New York City might seem unrelated to those in the rest of the country, but they sometimes provide a microcosmic look at what was happening in other northern cities, although the author occasionally notes differences in other states. While Katz does some editorializing, it is enough within the context and perspective to be forgiven by most readers. Details here of strikes, changing laws on the local, state, and federal levels, new perspectives on historic figures will most likely be totally unfamiliar to non-New Yorkers and possibly to many natives. The book includes many archival photographs (not seen in final copy) and extensive endnotes. The bibliography includes publications dating back to the earliest days of the Colonies and identifies many original writings from the people it discusses. While there are few books intended for young people that take this detailed a look at history, this one will be very useful for reports since many important figures-intellectuals, athletes, artists, politicians, and activists-passed through our major metropolis. But perhaps more important, the book will provide a more personal understanding of history to many young African-American readers. The book's final chapter focuses on efforts to detail and preserve this important history. Last year a book on a broader scope and for a younger audience appeared in the Cornerstones of Freedom series, African Americans in the Thirteen Colonies (Children's Press, 1996). This new work by a proven historian who focuses on special black topics will add another layer to available resources. Index. Photos. Maps. Biblio. Source Notes. VOYA Codes: 3Q 2P M J S (Readable without serious defects, For the YA with a special interest in the subject, Middle School-defined as grades 6 to 8, Junior High-defined as grades 7 to 9 and Senior High-defined as grades 10 to 12).

Children's Literature - Rebecca Joseph

This well-written text traces New York City's Black legacy from the days of the Dutch governor in the 1600s to present day. Era by era, Katz reveals how African-Americans helped build New York while they fought to end slavery and discrimination. Katz describes famous black leaders including Sojourner Truth and Malcolm X and important cultural movements including the Harlem Renaissance. This important book is an excellent addition to any home or school library.

School Library Journal

Gr 6 UpAn outstanding offering. Covering the first recorded Africans in New York around 1609, to the election of David Dinkins as the city's first African-American mayor in 1989, this text provides almost 400 years of history about people of African descent who were either native New Yorkers or who made a significant impact on and/or brought some national recognition to New York City. Many of the earliest arrivals came as "free men" who worked as interpreters for European explorers because of their unusual language skills and other talents. Notable African Americans in every field are cited in this well-written, profusely illustrated book. Pictures, prints, and maps from 17th-, 18th-, and 19th-century archival files; reproductions of original artwork; and contemporary photographs from private and newspaper collections are all included. The endnotes are a chapter-by-chapter acknowledgment of sources used. A complete bibliography and an excellent index provide information for further research.Marie Wright, University Library, Indianapolis, IN