Argues that in order to understand the contemporary state of black literature, history, and protest, we must study the developments which occurred between 1789 and 1930 in the writing of black autobiographies; the central theme which runs through these autobiographies is the demand for the recognition of black manhood. (Author/JM)

Examines the literature and explores the portrayal of African Americansin creative writings of revolutionary America. The literature of the period reveals the paradox of African-American life in America, where prosperity for some was based on exploitation of others. Works of Benjamin Banneker, Thomas Jefferson, and Phyllis Wheatley are cited. (SLD)