Category: African American History and Culture African American history is a rich tapestry that encompasses a wide range of experiences, struggles, and triumphs. These books offer insight into various aspects of this complex history, from streetcar boycotts to the construction of black identity in comics and sequential art. Each book provides unique perspectives on the challenges faced by African Americans during different periods of history, as well as the resilience and determination that allowed them to overcome these obstacles. Right to Ride: Streetcar Boycotts and African American Citizenship in the Era of Plessy v. Ferguson is a fascinating exploration of the streetcar boycotts that took place in New Orleans in 1903. The book examines how these boycotts were driven by a desire for greater civil rights and citizenship for African Americans, who were denied equal access to public transportation under the "separate but equal" doctrine established by Plessy v. Ferguson. Through vivid descriptions of the protests and confrontations that took place during this time, the author sheds light on the tenacity and courage required to fight for justice in the face of overwhelming oppression. I've Got to Make My Livin': Black Women's Sex Work in Turn-of-the-Century Chicago is another important contribution to African American history. This book delves into the lives of black women who worked as prostitutes in Chicago during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Through interviews with descendants of these women, the author provides a nuanced portrait of their experiences, including the challenges they faced in navigating the criminal justice system and the stigma associated with their work. The book also explores how black women's sex work was an important form of resistance against racism and gender inequality during this time. The Blacker the Ink: Constructions of Black Identity in Comics and Sequential Art is a unique and thought-provoking examination of the role that comics have played in shaping perceptions of black identity. The author explores how African American characters have been portrayed in comic books over time, from stereotypical caricatures to more complex and nuanced representations. Through an analysis of both classic and contemporary comics, the author argues that these works have had a significant impact on popular culture and our understanding of race and ethnicity. The Marcus Garvey and Universal Negro Improvement Association Papers offer valuable insights into the life and work of one of the most influential figures in African American history. These volumes contain letters, speeches, and other documents that shed light on Garvey's vision for a united Africa and his efforts to promote black pride and empowerment. The papers also provide important context for understanding the broader political and social climate of the early 20th century, when African Americans were grappling with issues of race, identity, and citizenship. Harlem Crossroads: Black Writers and the Photograph in the Twentieth Century is a fascinating exploration of how photography has been used to document and shape our understanding of black culture and history. The book examines the work of African American photographers such as Augusta Savage and Gordon Parks, who captured images of Harlem during the 1920s and 1930s. Through these photographs, the author argues that we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and contradictions of black identity in this period. As We Saw It: The Story of Integration at the University of Texas at Austin is an important contribution to the history of desegregation in higher education. This book tells the story of how African American students fought for equal access to the University of Texas at Austin during the 1960s and 1970s. Through interviews with former students, faculty members, and activists, the author provides a firsthand account of the challenges faced by black students as they sought to integrate into a predominantly white institution. The book also explores how desegregation at UT-Austin had broader implications for higher education and society as a whole. Overall, these books offer valuable insights into African American history and culture, shedding light on the struggles, triumphs, and complexities of this rich and diverse community.