As J. Mason Brewer writes in his introduction, this classic volume is �� landmark contribution to Black Americana.��From the hundreds of humorous tales, anecdotes, biographies, recipes, musical
selections, and historical notations included in this well-rounded social history, a pattern revealing a new, socially-minded African-American unfolds.Through the encyclopedia's seven
sections--Long Night of Bondage, Plantation to Emancipation, Parables in Black, A People Sing, Poets' Corner, Turn of the Century, and The New Breed--the African American emerges from a once
confined and submerged plantation-type into a new heroic figure marching forward with pride.
