African Americans: Voices of Triumph : Leadership (African Americans: Voice s of Triumph)

Alexandria, Va: Time-Life Books, 1994. First Edition. Hardcover. As New/As New. A copy that has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. This companion to Perseverence (1993) and Creative Fire (1994, both Time-Life) discusses African-Americans who have excelled in science, business, religion, education, and politics. It is immensely informative, well organized, and clearly written. The book begins by placing 20th-century achievements in the context of the rich heritage passed from Africa to America. The accomplishments of leaders such as Queen Nzingha of what is now Angola; Okomfo Anokye, a 17th-century West African priest; and the legendary Queen of Sheba are detailed. The next chapter moves on to the 19th and 20th centuries and introduces pioneers in science and black women who became physicians against great social and economic odds. There is a section on the Tuskegee Experiment, a government medical program in the 1930s that allowed syphilitic men to go untreated so that the course of the disease could be observed. African-American business enterprise is historically traced through men and women like William Johnson, a 19th-century barber; Madame C.J. Walker; John H. Johnson; and Maggie Lena Walker. The book speaks of centuries of obstacles, trials, and ultimate triumphs. Many of the people discussed are still active in their respective fields. The text is illustrated with numerous black-and-white and full-color photographs. A fine addition to any collection.