African American Lives-1999

Biography and Memoirs

Black History Month 1999

Ball, Edward. Slaves in the family. 1998

A meticulously researched history of a prominent slave-owning family of South Carolina. What sets this book apart is the fact that in researching his own family¹s history, Mr. Ball has also researched the lives and found the descendants of the former slaves, interweaving them into the fabric of his own family guilt. This is an engaging book, not just of a single family, but also of American history and how much events shaped both whites and blacks. This text looks forward, by clearly seeing the histories of whites and blacks as inseparable.

Ball, Howard. A defiant life: Thurgood Marshall and the persistence of racism in America.

An analysis of Marshall¹s work within the social and political contexts of the time.

Bray, Rosemary L. Unafraid of the dark. 1998

The former New York Times Book Review editor takes on some of the inherent problems of current welfare reform by examining her own poor, urban roots. Raised on Chicago¹s south side, her mother had to accept welfare to provide the necessary stability to foster her children¹s education. This memoir not only traces her own trials and triumphs, but also ponders the larger moral questions of how a society might help those under-resourced people to help themselves.

Brown, Tracey L. The life and times of Ron Brown: a memoir by his daughter. 1998

Since his death in Croatia in 1996, Commerce Secretary Ron Brown is still remembered as a dedicated and pioneering man. This personal biography, written by his daughter Tracey, looks back on his life not only through her eyes, but through the eyes of friends and colleagues who knew him. Ron Brown¹s wit, charm, charisma, and determination are captured and presented in a way in which we can all appreciate his accomplishments as non-partisan Americans.

The Charlie Parker companion: six decades of commentary. 1998

This collection of essays covers the details of Parker¹s life and offers a critical analysis of his contributions to jazz and the influence he had upon other musicians.

Danquah, Meri Nana-Ama. Willow weep for me: a Black woman's journey through depression. 1998

A moving memoir by poet, playwright, and performance artist Danquah. Here she deftly guides us through her own battles with depression. While deeply personal, this book also opens our eyes to the danger of the stereotype of strong black women who as care givers require neither support nor solace.

Davis, Ossie. With Ossie and Ruby: in this life together. 1998.

This extraordinary couple recalls events in their lives which shaped them as both talented entertainers and unwavering activists in the struggle for civil rights.

Dickerson, Dennis C. Millitant mediator: Whitney M. Young, Jr. 1998

Whitney Young, a conservative black leader of the 50s and 60s, is often overlooked and forgotten. As executive director of the National Urban League, Young sought integration and equal rights while courting the support of groups such as the Ford, Carnegie, and Rockefeller foundations. Young lacked the charisma of King, and as the civil rights movement became more militant in the 60s he was widely regarded as an assimilationist. This biography explores his political career and influences without making a deity of the man.

The Ella Fitzgerald companion: seven decades of commentary. 1998

Previously published in a variety of sources, these articles, interviews, and reviews provide insight into Fitzgerald¹s life and career.

Evers-Williams, Myrlie. Watch me fly: what I learned on becoming the woman I was meant to be. 1999

A poignant memoir by the widow of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers.

Flat-footed truths: telling Black women's lives. 1998.

A vibrant collection of writings by women writers, some of whom present fascinating accounts of other women who¹ve been neglected. Alice Walker¹s story of her journey to Zora Neale Hurston¹s hometown of Eatonville, Florida, for example, reflects Walker¹s determination to discover the circumstances of Hurston¹s death and to provide her with a proper headstone.

Fleming, Cynthia Griggs. Soon we will not cry: the liberation of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson. 1998

While the life of Robinson was short, her legacy continues. Rarely mentioned, the contributions of black women during the civil rights movement were far reaching. Ms. Robinson was a founding member of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and labored for racial equality and the equal treatment of women. While almost an unknown soldier, her contributions were tremendous.

Forman, James. The making of Black revolutionaries. 1997

During the 1960s, James Forman was the Executive Secretary and Director of International Affairs of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). This autobiography details his time with the group during the civil rights movement, giving an insight into the daily activities of the group. He also chronicles the sense of black politics at the time and how he and others dealt with differing opinions when similar goals were at stake. Ultimately, the book moves beyond the telling of one life experience and into relevant and astute observations on the 60s.

Fraher, James. The blues is a feeling: voices & visions of African-American blues musicians. 1998

A collection of portraits of Blues musicians that captures the joy and indomitable spirit of the Blues. Along with biographical information, Fraher includes a short quote from each musician.

Graham, Lawrence O. Our kind of people: inside America's Black upper class. 1998

A record of the people, places, and things constituting the black elite.

Guinier, Lani. Lift every voice: turning a civil rights setback into a new vision of social justice. 1998

Pennsylvania law professor Guinier responds to criticisms stemming from her failed 1993 nomination as Assistant Attorney General for civil rights. In setting the record straight, Guinier addresses not only her detractors, but also friends such as Bill Clinton, who nominated her then withdrew his support. More than just a memoir of her bitter experience, this book delves into the civil rights history and litigation that shaped her own views. She also attempts to move her ideas further by showing how they might broaden the intellectual landscape surrounding the civil rights debate in America.

Haizlip, Shirlee Taylor. In the garden of our dreams: memoirs of a marriage. 1998

Author Shirlee Taylor Haizlip and educator Harold Haizlip have written a joint biography chronicling their courtship, marriage, and their efforts on behalf of racial equality.

Halberstam, David. Michael Jordan: the making of a legend. 1999

Historian and journalist Halberstam details the forces that have shaped Jordan into history¹s greatest basketball player and most famous athlete in the world.

Half and half: writers on growing up biracial and bicultural. 1998

This collection of 18 biracial/bicultural authors stands as an important marker of a changing America as racial lines are being blurred rapidly. Through these essays, we must confront what it means to be American in a changing landscape, and how we can seek a metalanguage that can accurately express who we are now as a positive product of differing pasts.

Hankins, Anthony Mark. Fabric of dreams: designing my own success. 1998

This is a story of a young man who grew up in a poor working neighborhood of New Jersey and was determined to make his mark in the world of fashion. Undaunted by harassment, teasing, and the cold realities of the business world, Hankins persevered to create a $40 million empire. His memoir transcends personal history and race to become an American story of the entrepreneurial spirit.

Hoban, Phoebe. Basquiat: a quick killing in art. 1998

The short life of Jean-Michel Basquiat, graffiti artist turned international art star, is sharply portrayed in a readable first biography of this charismatic figure. Basquiat¹s friendship with Andy Warhol and its dissolution over Basquiat¹s drug addiction constitutes the heart of this book.

Houston, Cissy. How sweet the sound: my life with God and Gospel. 1998

This is the inspirational story of the religious life of a successful singer. Houston won the 1997 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album, and here she shares thoughts on finding her self and life¹s direction through religion. Coincidentally, Houston is the mother of pop singer Whitney Houston.

Johnson, Rafer. The best that I can be. 1998

Rafer Johnson won the decathlon at the 1960 Olympic games in Rome. His autobiography is about making a commitment to give your all in sport and life. He has tried acting and broadcasting, and takes pride in close friendships with the famous and powerful, such as Bobby Kennedy. But in the end, Johnson remains a kind, caring individual committed to being the best he can be and remembering the many who helped him along the way.

Jones, Star. You have to stand for something, or you'll fall for anything. 1998.

Former New York City prosecutor-turned TV commentator Jones tells her life story and shares her hard-won wisdom and opinions.

Jordan, Michael. For the love of the game: my story. 1998

Michael Jordan details his love of the game of basketball through photos and commentaries on the trajectory of his career and personal life.

Kaeser, Gigi. Of many colors: portraits of multiracial families. 1997

Portraits of interracial families, in which each member also talks about the strengths and weaknesses of interracial families and how they impact their own world view.

Kay, Jackie. Bessie Smith. 1997

One of the newest installments in the Outlines series combines poetry, fiction, and biography to offer a multilayered view of the great blues singer.

Kelley, Brent P. Voices from the Negro Leagues: conversations with 52 baseball standouts of the period 1924-1960. 1998

Kelley proves once again that baseball players make wonderful interview subjects. These interviews with former Negro Leaguers have been divided between those in the Negro League prior to Jackie Robinson¹s entrance into Major League baseball, and those that remained after Robinson¹s jump. The book also includes biographical information and, where available, player¹s statistics.

King, Martin Luther, Jr. The autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. 1998

Editor Clayborne Carson, historian and director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Papers Project, has organized King¹s eloquent writings into a posthumous autobiography.

Knight, Gladys. Between each line of pain and glory: my life story. 1997

Inspirational biography of the four-time Grammy winner.

Leeming, David Adams. Amazing Grace: a life of Beauford Delaney. 1998

James Baldwin considered the underappreciated painter Beauford Delaney a spiritual guide. Delaney was a fixture in the Village during the 30s and 40s and later in Paris. Often compared to Vincent Van Gogh, Delaney was beset by mental problems and poverty while dealing with racial and homophobic prejudices.

Marable, Manning. Black leadership. 1998

Portraits and critical evaluations of the lives of this century¹s most important black leaders and of the varied styles of leadership they represent.

Mayer, Henry. All on fire: William Lloyd Garrison and the abolition of slavery. 1998

This exhaustive biography centers itself around 35 years of editorials from Garrison¹s abolitionist newspaper, The Liberator, to place him as one of the pre-eminent figures of the 19th century. Mayer also carefully details Garrison¹s moral courage which went beyond abolitionism to women¹s rights.

McCline, John. Slavery in the clover bottoms: John McCline’s narrative of his life during slavery and the Civil War. 1998

Published nearly 50 years after John McCline¹s death, his memoir deftly traces his life as a slave, capturing the essence of his escape and subsequent service in the Union Army. The narrative is especially adept at finding meaning in the daily routines which lead to McCline¹s ultimately successful life in the American Southwest.

McCray, Carrie Allen. Freedom's child: the life of a confederate general's Black daughter. 1998

Mary Allen lived a life devoted to gaining full freedom for blacks in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She began her struggles at age 12 in Harrisonburg, VA, where she dragged a friend into a whites-only ice cream parlor in protest of segregationist policies. She would continue this struggle for the remainder of her life by becoming an early leader in the NAACP, founding two chapters, and serving as president of Virginia Seminary. While the events of her life stand as powerful and poignant examples of courage and strength, what makes her story striking is the fact that she was the daughter of a former Confederate general and a black housekeeper. What¹s more, her father freely acknowledged her, in the face of ostracism, and went on to support her and pay for her education through college.

McMurry, Linda O. To keep the waters troubled: the life of Ida B. Wells, agitator. 1999

A spirited woman who fought both racism and sexism--as portrayed through her letters and editorials.

Motley, Constance Baker. Equal justice under the law. 1998.

Constance Baker Motley recounts the events of a remarkable life which included being the first woman appointed to the Federal Bench and working with Thurgood Marshall on Brown v. Board of Education. Through her work with the NAACP¹s Legal Defense and Education Fund, she provides a fresh and engaging perspective on the civil rights movement and events thereafter.

The Muhammad Ali reader. 1998

Since Muhammad Ali burst onto the world stage in 1960, he has forged the meaning of being a superstar. His life has transcended the sport that made him famous, and these 30 essays serve as a meditation on and an honor to his life. Where the transformation and maturation of Cassius Clay into Muhammad Ali has charmed us, fascinated us, and moved us, so, too, these essays by great writers such as Amiri Baraka, A.J. Liebling, Joyce Carol Oates, and Garry Wills will move you into reconsidering the greatest modern athlete.

Petersen, Frank E. Into the tiger’s jaw: America’s first Black marine aviator. 1998

The autobiography of Lt. General Frank E. Petersen, who enlisted in the Navy at age 18, was accepted for flight training, went on to serve in Korea and Vietnam, and retired as a three-star general in the Marine Corps.

Remembering slavery: African Americans talk about their personal experiences of slavery and freedom. 1998

This book and tape set presents original recordings made during the 1930s by Federal Writers¹ Project interviewers who traveled throughout the South talking to former slaves. This priceless collection of their reminiscences now resides in the Library of Congress. Also included are dramatic readings by Debbie Allen, Clifton Davis, Louis Gossett, Jr., James Earl Jones, Jedda Jones, Melba Moore, and Esther Rolle which are taken from the transcripts of other, unrecorded interviews.

Remnick, David. King of the world: Muhammad Ali and the rise of an American hero. 1998

A fresh look at a living icon.

Robinson, Randall. Defending the spirit: a Black life in America. 1998

This memoir is a no holds barred, behind the scenes look at how race determines foreign policy. Robinson, founder of Transafrica, an organization which promotes the interests of African and Caribbean nations, is best known for his successful efforts in forcing the U.S. to impose sanctions on the South African government, daring to help end Apartheid. From humble roots in Richmond, VA to the military and Harvard Law School, Robinson confronts race questions along each step of the way, and continues to try to fight a moral battle against injustice.

Rogers, Mary Beth. Barbara Jordan: American hero. 1998

An inside look at the life of Texas¹s first black senator since the Reconstruction era as an attorney, political candidate, legislator, college teacher, and popular speaker.

Russell, Dick. Black genius: and the American experience. 1998

This book emphasizes the importance of the tradition of black achievement from Cornel West, James Baldwin, and Toni Morrison, to Sojourner Truth and W.E.B. DuBois. This book gives biographical sketches of the many superior American artists, scientists, and intellectuals who have created a lineage of African American success.

Stepto, Robert B. Blue as the lake: a personal geography. 1998

In these loosely collected essays, Stepto, a professor of English and African American Studies at Yale, lyrically traces his own personal history while considering a wider migration of his own family over time. Although deeply personal, the scope of these essays encompasses the strivings of many African Americans to preserve the best for their families in the face of racism.

Stewart, Jeffrey C. Paul Robeson: artist and citizen. 1998

This collection marks the centennial of the birth of Paul Robeson. The actor, singer, political activist, and athlete is represented in 16 essays and over 240 photos and illustrations which illuminate the impact he had on the nation and world. The essays consider his achievements, people associated with him, and his status as icon and how he managed it.

Taylor, Theodore. The flight of Jesse Leroy Brown. 1998

Born a sharecropper¹s son, Brown was a star athlete, an outstanding student, and the first African American naval aviator.

Toussaint, Rose-Marie. Never question the miracle: a surgeon's story. 1998

This moving memoir follows Dr. Toussaint from poor, humble beginnings in Haiti to the trials and triumphs of a surgeon specializing in liver and kidney transplants. She fights through the setbacks of poverty, racism, and sexism, but never wavers from her final goal. More than just another story of an individual who succeeds, this memoir is also about the indomitable spirit of people and their ability to reach out to others.

Watkins, Mel. Dancing with strangers: a memoir. 1998

Renowned social critic Mel Watkins (On the Real Side, 1994) writes a strikingly rich memoir of his youth in 50s and 60s Youngstown, Ohio. This is a stark look at the people and places that he knew and an attempt to settle just how these influences shaped him. This book boldly explores racial assumptions while trying not to open old stereotypes or create new ones. In the end, this is a book about an individual man strong enough to see the world, face it, and make his own decisions on how to navigate the tumultuous terrain of life.

Wattleton, Faye. Life on the line. 1996

Faye Wattleton was the first African American president of Planned Parenthood. This autobiography is a riveting and inspirational story of her journey as a voice of and protector for safe reproductive options for women. In the face of vocal, and at times violent opposition, she has stood her ground in an attempt to keep the lines of communication open.

Williams, Juan. Thurgood Marshall: American revolutionary. 1998

Former Washington Post reporter Juan Williams portrays Marshall as the leader of a social revolution. A brilliant legal mind, his contributions to American legal history are substantial and well documented. But Williams also illuminates the private Marshall, tracing the ups and downs of a career that seemed to hold contradictions, from his somewhat cordial relationship with J. Edgar Hoover to his disagreements with Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X.