by Ibram X. Kendi (Author)
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A chorus of extraordinary voices tells the epic story of the four-hundred-year journey of African Americans from 1619 to the present—edited by Ibram X. Kendi, author of How to Be an Antiracist, and Keisha N. Blain, author of Set the World on Fire.“A vital addition to [the] curriculum on race in America . . . a gateway to the solo works of all the voices in Kendi and Blain’s impressive choir.”—The Washington Post “From journalist Hannah P. Jones on Jamestown's first slaves to historian Annette Gordon-Reed’s portrait of Sally Hemings to the seductive cadences of poets Jericho Brown and Patricia Smith, Four Hundred Souls weaves a tapestry of unspeakable suffering and unexpected transcendence.”—O: The Oprah MagazineThe story begins in 1619—a year before the
Mayflower—when the
White Lion disgorges “some 20-and-odd Negroes” onto the shores of Virginia, inaugurating the African presence in what would become the United States. It takes us to the present, when African Americans, descendants of those on the
White Lion and a thousand other routes to this country, continue a journey defined by inhuman oppression, visionary struggles, stunning achievements, and millions of ordinary lives passing through extraordinary history.
Four Hundred Souls is a unique one-volume “community” history of African Americans. The editors, Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain, have assembled ninety brilliant writers, each of whom takes on a five-year period of that four-hundred-year span. The writers explore their periods through a variety of techniques: historical essays, short stories, personal vignettes, and fiery polemics. They approach history from various perspectives: through the eyes of towering historical icons or the untold stories of ordinary people; through places, laws, and objects. While themes of resistance and struggle, of hope and reinvention, course through the book, this collection of diverse pieces from ninety different minds, reflecting ninety different perspectives, fundamentally deconstructs the idea that Africans in America are a monolith—instead it unlocks the startling range of experiences and ideas that have always existed within the community of Blackness. This is a history that illuminates our past and gives us new ways of thinking about our future, written by the most vital and essential voices of our present.
Journey through the rich tapestry of African American history in "Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019" by Ibram X. Kendi, now available for free on digeebooks.com.
This groundbreaking work takes readers on an immersive journey through the trials, triumphs, and contributions of African Americans from the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in 1619 to the present day. With meticulous research and captivating storytelling, Kendi brings to life the experiences of individuals and communities in various eras, shedding light on their struggles for freedom, equality, and justice.
Delve into the depths of Black history as Kendi explores the complexities of race, identity, and culture. Discover the stories of remarkable figures, from Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass to Martin Luther King Jr. and Shirley Chisholm, whose resilience and activism shaped the course of American history.
Experience the pivotal moments that have defined African American history, from the horrors of slavery and segregation to the triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement. Kendi masterfully weaves together personal narratives, historical events, and cultural achievements, presenting a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the Black experience in America.
With "Four Hundred Souls," Kendi invites readers to confront the legacy of racism and racial inequality that continues to impact society today. He challenges readers to reflect on the past and work towards a future where justice, equity, and inclusion prevail for all.
Explore the rich tapestry of African American history and culture with "Four Hundred Souls," now available for free on digeebooks.com. Engage with this powerful narrative and gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs that have shaped the African American community.