Black Saga: The African American Experience presents the people, events, and places that influenced the culture, identity, and perspective of Blacks in the United States. Beginning before 1492, with the African kingdoms, and ending with the civil rights movement and events into the 1990s, Black Saga's chronologically arranged summaries and factual entries provide a vivid, definitive picture of a complex history. More than a list of dates and events, Black Saga abounds with previously untold stories, such as those of escaped slaves Ellen and William Craft, California pioneer and entrepreneur Biddy Mason, inventor and businessman Jan Matzeliger, and civil rights activist Hannah Atkins. Demographic, economic, social, political, and cultural realities are combined in compelling narratives of achievement and of tragic oppression. Complemented by more than 230 illustrations, many of them rare, the chronology provides information on key issues and accomplishments. Informed by the unique voice Read Less