This article gives the background to the emancipation of slaves in 1863, and goes on to discuss the present situation of Blacks in the U.S. (AM)

Describes the Underground Railroad, a loosely organized system used by runaway Southern slaves to reach freedom in the North. Discusses the role of "conductors," who acted as guides and offered shelter along the route. (FMW)

Notes that although the "American Dream" has functioned well for most immigrants, because of overt and covert racism, black Americans have seldom been able to translate the "dream" into reality. (Author/AM)

Concludes that economic determinism may not sufficiently explain servitude and other institutions in Colonial America but that the efforts of legal, cultural, and intellectual historians may reveal more about the subordination of whites and blacks to their social betters. (Author/AM)

As he studies the Afro-American past, the black academician must not only meet with things he can't be sure ever happened but well may cast an unfavorable light on his racial group. (Author)

The history of African-American sacred music is traced from the time of slavery to the present interest in gospel music. The religious music of African Americans is geared toward liberation themes. It is important that this music does not dilute its power through cross-over with other music forms. (SLD)

Re-examines the role played by blacks in the American Revolution, noting that blacks were a substantial portion (one-fifth) of the population, that about eight per cent of them were free, and that more free blacks lived in the South, that slavery existed in all 13 southern states, and that there were more slaves than free blacks living in the…

Discusses seven black colonialists who fought the British in the American War of Independence: Caesar Tarrant, Deborah Gannett, Samuel Charlton, Austin Dabney, Henry Christophe (ultimately Emperor of Haiti), James Armistead, and James Robinson. Reprinted from "Black Heroes of the American Revolution, 1775-1783," an NAACP publication. (JM)

Lack of individual and group self-esteem hinders African Americans in their efforts to compete with others in U.S. society. A person or group with self-esteem will not settle for second-class treatment. Suggestions for promoting individual and group self-esteem for blacks are presented. (SLD)