Synopses & Reviews
"Valuable for its oral-history component and for celebrating...the achievements of even the most independent geniuses." BooklistIntimate, in-depth portraits, interviews, and essays of America's black leadersfrom the founding of the nation and Frederick Douglass to the 2008 presidential race and Barack Obama. Each figure is interconnected with the next, exploring themes of family and intergenerational community, spirituality, and diligence, activism, and struggle. These remarkable portraits reveal the true spirit of the American pioneers who forged much of the heart of this nation, but whose achievements have been largely overlooked.
New York Times bestselling author Dick Russell examines the lives of musicians, civil rights leaders, philosophers, writers, and actors including Duke Ellington, Will Marion Cook, Louis Armstrong, Wynton Marsalis, Albert Murray, Ralph Ellison, Toni Morrison, and Romare Bearden. Concluding with a list of sources and suggested reading, this fascinating and vibrant look at American history is a must for any collection.
Synopsis
In search of distinctly African-American qualities of genius, Russell has conducted interviews and historical research that explore the roots of black achievement in America. of photos.
About the Author
' Dick Russell is a nationally respected activist, environmentalist, and author of five critically acclaimed books, including The Man Who Knew Too Much and Don't Start the Revolution Without Me (with Jesse Ventura). Russell is a prolific publisher in many of the nation's top magazines and has been a guest on many national TV and radio programs, including the Joan Rivers Show and NBC Nightly News. Married and with one child, Dick Russell divides his time between Boston and Los Angeles.'