As J. Mason Brewer writes in his introduction, this classic volume is a landmark contribution to Black Americana. From the hundreds of humorous tales, anecdotes, biographies, recipes, musical selections, and historical notations included in this well-rounded social history, a pattern revealing a new, socially-minded African-American unfolds. Through the encyclopedias seven sections--Long Night of Bondage, Plantation to Emancipation, Parables in Black, A People Sing, Poets Corner, Turn of the Century, and The New Breed--the African American emerges from a once confined and submerged plantation-type into a new heroic figure marching forward with pride.