In Archer's own words, the purpose of this text “is to help white readers understand the story of the black struggle…and to help the black readers appreciate fully their proud and remarkable heritage." This text would partner well with an American history course as it will provide a richer and fuller look into America's story. It includes the story and historical goings-on in the lives of Frederick Douglass, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X. Throughout the book are photographs of these influential individuals who impacted history. Pgs. 255 | Hardcover. ~Rebecca
The majority of the civil rights movement in the United States occurred in three stages. The first stage began with the slaves in America fighting for their freedom. Frederick Douglass was a key player from the very beginning. Born a slave, Douglass escaped and went on to become one of the most respected abolitionist leaders.
After the Civil War, freed slaves fought to overcome the still-prevailing prejudice and persecution. During this phase, Marcus Garvey led the Back to Africa movement, promoting Black Nationalism and black pride among the newly freed people.
And in the 1960s, a strong civil rights movement branched in two different directions. The first was headed by Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., who organized a powerful nonviolent civil disobedience movement to win equal rights through integration. Following a very different path, Malcolm X sought equal rights for blacks through violent confrontation and racial separation.
Together, these four men shaped the American civil rights movement. Racism is still a very relevant problem in our country today, and to better understand where we are now and how to make progress in the future, we must first understand where we've come from.
This topical history series makes a great add-on to history programs. It gives students the freedom to read about historically accurate events and people throughout U.S. and World History without getting overwhelmed. Jules Archer gives a unique voice and approach to his writing; making it engaging for students to learn and hone their critical thinking skills. Each book is equipped with an index and a bibliography to help facilitate further studies. Some of the content can cover a dark side of history. Content can become mature when exploring dictators, treasonous acts, rage behind the riots, and the circumstances surrounding our countries own laws. There are political cartoons, illustrations, and photographs included throughout the texts that benefit the reader in putting faces to some of the featured personalities. The series provides a helpful glimpse into the state of the U.S. during some of its most tumultuous times. ~Rebecca
