"Born a free man in New York State in 1808, Solomon Northup was kidnapped in Washington, D.C., in 1841. He spent the next twelve harrowing years of his life as a slave on a Louisiana cotton plantation. During this time he was frequently abused and often afraid for his life. After regaining his freedom in 1853, Northup decided to publish this gripping autobiographical account of his captivity. As an educated man, Northup was able to present an exceptionally...

Describes the life of one of baseball's greatest pitchers, who was unable to play Major League baseball due to segregation for many years, after which he became the first black pitcher in the American League.

Traces the life of the Harlem Renaissance writer and folklorist, who worked to preserve the rich storytelling tradition of African-Americans in the South.

A history of the Negro Leagues, baseball teams which flourished in the early twentieth century as a result of discrimination against black baseball players, highlighting some of the outstanding players and their achievements.

Examines the life and work of the successful novelist, who became the first African American to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993.

Explains the art and craft of quilting among Afro-Americans and describes its roots in African textiles and traditions.

Profiles the life of Betty Shabazz, the widow of Malcolm X, discussing her life as the wife of the outspoken civil rights leader and her role in the civil rights movement after his death.

Traces the development of rap music from origins in the hip hop of the 1970s through various controversies to its widespread popularity in the 1990s.

A biography of the writer whose works reflect the traditions, feelings, and experiences of African Americans.