to overcome racism, slavery, and the legacies of these injustices from colonial times to the present.One of every five Americans at the nation's beginning was an African American?a fact that underscores their importance in U.S. growth and development. This fascinating study moves from Africans' early contacts with the Americas to African Americans' 21st-century presence, exploring their role in building the American nation and in constructing their own identities, communities, and cultures.Historian and lawyer Thomas J. Davis's multi-themed narrative of compelling content provides a historical overview of the rise of African Americans from slavery and segregation in their anti-racist quest to enjoy equal rights and opportunities to reach the American Dream of pursuing happiness. The work features portraits of individuals and treats images of African Americans in their roles as performers, producers, consumers, and creators, and as the face of social problems such as crime, education, and poverty.• Reveals the extent of anti-black racism in America• Examines black heritage in America from its colonial origins to the present• Highlights the contributions of African Americans throughout history• Illustrates the role of blacks in the American economy• Centers on African Americans in the development of American history

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