Black Women in White America: A Documentary History

By Gerda Lerner

Book Overview

Recipient of the 2002 Bruce Catton Prize for Lifetime Achievement in Historical Writing. In this "stunning collection of documents" ( Washington Post Book World ), African-American women speak of themselves, their lives, ambitions, and struggles from the colonial period to the present day. Theirs are stories of oppression and survival, of family and community self-help, of inspiring heroism and grass-roots organizational continuity in the face of racism, economic hardship, and, far too often, violence. Their vivid accounts, their strong and insistent voices, make for inspiring reading, enriching our understanding of the American past. "A very timely and powerful collection which gives emphasis to the magnificent role of Black women in the struggle of Black people to survive in this, the United States,"--Nathan Irvin Huggins "Gerda Lerner has collected . . . material which can change images that whites have had of Blacks, and possibly even those which we, as Blacks, have of ourselves,"--Maya Angelou

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0679743146
• ISBN13: 9780679743149
• Release Date: November 1992
• Publisher: Vintage
• Length: 672 Pages
• Weight: 1.23 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 5.2" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

THIS BOOK IS A EYE-OPENER TO AFRICAN AMERICANS

"Black Women in White America" has truly opened my eyes to a lot of the hardships of the African American woman.

Black Women in White America: A Documentary History

Prior to ordering Ms. Davis' book, I had always held her in great esteem, due to the courage, intelligence, and sensitivity, which she portrayed during the civil rights movement. As a late blooming "flower child," I was too timid to be a part of the movement, yet it did not prevent me from watching from the sidelines, agonizing and suffering along with my brothers and sisters. No matter their race, color, or origins; no matter which side of the battle they were on; there was a great deal of suffering and inhumanity existing during those turbulent times. After reading a poem she wrote (from an anthology) regarding the demands placed on Aretha Franklin (as a star), I really connected with her message. Therefore, I ordered her book. Due to a great deal of "drama" currently occurring around me, I have not had an opportunity to read her writings. But in my heart, I know that she has put forth a lesson from which I can learn.

remarkable

"Black Women in White America" is outstanding. Naturally the book provides some remarkable documents about slavery, but there is so much more covered in this fabulous book. The experiences of African - American women seeking to get (and give) an education, the experiences of African-American women as mere sex objects (and their stories of being objectified by men of all races), the crusade against lynching ... I was floored by the variety and amount of sources contained in this book. It is quite comprehensive in its breadth and scope.As a historian and teacher, this is a marvelous resource. As a student and American, it is a moving true-life story that is regretfully often untold. Highly recommended reading.

Required Reading

Compelling enough to keep me from ever thinking that I have it rough. As black women, we've endured sorrow and acheived greatness...all of which is found in this text. Black Women... gives an excellent account of the early history of African women in America.

An excellent documentary on the black women's lives

This book does an excellent job of documenting the lives of African American women from slavery to the 20th century. It gives a portrayal of their strong abilities to move forward, their religious faith, and their degree of hope and self-pride in the meantime. I sincerely recommend this book to everyone in hopes that it will serve as a guide in their present lives.