In 'History of the Negro Race in America from 1619 to 1880' volumes 1 and 2, George Washington Williams meticulously traces the history of African Americans in the United States, providing a comprehensive account of their experiences from the beginning of slavery to the Reconstruction era. Williams' writing style is earnest and informative, blending historical facts with personal reflections and highlighting the resilience of the African American community in the face of adversity. This book serves as an invaluable resource for understanding the complexities of race relations in America during a critical period of transformation. Williams' meticulous research and dedication to uncovering the truth behind the African American experience make this work a standout in the field of African American history. George Washington Williams, a pioneering African American historian and social activist, was driven by a desire to give a voice to the marginalized and advocate for justice and equality. His firsthand experiences with discrimination and oppression fueled his passion for documenting the history of African Americans and shedding light on their contributions to society. I highly recommend 'History of the Negro Race in America' to readers interested in delving into the rich and tumultuous history of African Americans in the United States, as well as those seeking a deeper understanding of the enduring impact of slavery and racism on American society.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1883.

A History of the Negro Troops in the War of the Rebellion, 1861–1865 (originally published in 1888) by pioneer African American historian George Washington Williams remains a classic text in African American literature and Civil War history. In this powerful narrative, Williams, who served in the U.S. Colored Troops, tells the battle experiences of the almost 200,000 black men who fought for the Union cause. Determined to document the contributions of his fellow black soldiers and to underscore the valor and manhood of his race, Williams gathered his material from the official records of U.S. and foreign governments and from the orderly books and personal recollections of officers commanding Negro troops during the American Civil War. The new edition of this important text includes an introductory essay by the award-winning historian John David Smith. In his essay, Smith narrates and evaluates the book’s contents, analyzes its reception by contemporary critics, and evaluates Williams’s work within the context of its day and its place in current historiography.

Reproduction of the original: History of the Negro Race in America from 1619 to 1880 by George W. Williams

John Edward Bruce, a premier black journalist from the late 1800's until his death in 1924, was a vital force in the popularization of African American history. "Bruce Grit," as he was called, wrote for such publications as Marcus Garvey's nationalist newspaper, The Negro World, and McGirt's Magazine. Born a slave in Maryland in 1856, Bruce gained his freedom by joining a regiment of Union soldiers passing through on their way to Washington, DC. Bruce was in contact with major figures in African American history, including Henry Highland Garnett and Martin Delany, both instrumental in the development of 19th century Black nationalism and the struggle for Black liberation. Close relationships with Liberian statesman Edward Wilmot Blyden and with Alexander Crummell, a key advocate for the emigration of Blacks to Africa, assisted in Bruce's development into a leading African American spokesman. In 1911, Arthur Alfonso Schomburg and Bruce co-founded the Negro Society for Historical Research, which greatly influenced black book collecting and preservation as well as the study of African American themes.