100 Greatest African Americans: A Biographical Encyclopedia

by Molefi Kete Asante

Since 1619, when Africans first came ashore in the swampy Chesapeake region of Virginia, there have been many individuals whose achievements or strength of character in the face of monumental hardships have called attention to the genius of the African American people. This book attempts to distill from many wonderful possibilities the 100 most outstanding examples of greatness. Pioneering scholar of African American Studies Molefi Kete Asante has used four criteria in his the individual's significance in the general progress of African Americans toward full equality in the American social and political system; self-sacrifice and the demonstration of risk for the collective good; unusual will and determination in the face of the greatest danger or against the most stubborn odds; and personal achievement that reveals the best qualities of the African American people. In adopting these criteria Professor Asante has sought to steer away from the usual standards of popular culture, which often elevates the most popular, the wealthiest, or the most photogenic to the cult of celebrity. The individuals in this book - examples of lasting greatness as opposed to the ephemeral glare of celebrity fame - come from four centuries of African American history. Each entry includes brief biographical information, relevant dates, an assessment of the individual's place in African American history with particular reference to a historical timeline, and a discussion of his or her unique impact on American society. Numerous pictures and illustrations will accompany the articles. This superb reference work will complement any library and be of special interest to students and scholars of American and African American history.

Genres: Nonfiction

345 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2002

About the author

Molefi Kete Asante (born Arthur Lee Smith Jr.; August 14, 1942) is an American professor and philosopher. He is a leading figure in the fields of African-American studies, African studies, and communication studies. He is currently professor in the Department of Africology at Temple University, where he founded the PhD program in African-American Studies. He is president of the Molefi Kete Asante Institute for Afrocentric Studies.

Asante is known for his writings on Afrocentricity, a school of thought that has influenced the fields of sociology, intercultural communication, critical theory, political science, the history of Africa, and social work.He is the author of more than 66 books and the founding editor of the Journal of Black Studies.

Reviews

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read bits of this awesome book off and on for years, and during a move, it became lost (I think that it was stolen, but that's another story). I need to replace it!
I think that for anyone interested in history - African American history in particular - this compilation imparts useful, interesting information. (If one is interested in detailed info on the book's subjects, there are other books/biographies that offer more).

On a slightly personal level, the entry on Dorie Miller was a treat for me, as my mom grew up with him, with him being her 'big brother'. As she was quite a tomboy back then, he used to tell her that he was going to marry her when she grew up, much to her disgust. Dorie was suppose to be around to fix her bike. lol My mom still has all of the newspaper clippings about him, including his funeral announcement.

[Renay Jihad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snapshots of one-hundred famous black Americans. Quickly reference the achievements, struggle, and accomplishments of some of the most admirable people in American history.

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the very end of February I was at my local library and browsed the display for African American History Month. I picked this book to borrow and found it to be most interesting. I learned about some historical figures I had never heard of and learned new, fascinating facts about those of whom I had knowledge.
The individuals highlighted in this book come from many walks of life, from writers to entrepreneurs, scientists and inventors to religious leaders, sports figures and entertainers; all showed spirit in the face of adversity and strove to enrich their communities.
Two of those I was unfamiliar with, but whose stories are remarkable are James Forten and Elijah McCoy. Mr. Forten served in the Continental Army in the Revolutionary War. Later, he worked for a sailmaker from whom he purchased the business upon the former's retirement. He grew the business and used much of his profits to support causes he respected.
Mr. McCoy, born in 1843, studied mechanical engineering in Scotland, but when he tried to get a job in that field in the United States he was turned down because of his race. Taking a job as a locomotive fireman to earn a living, he ended up using his knowledge and skills to invent a device much needed for the smooth operation of steam engines. His invention was so desired by companies that those which purchased his particular item were said to have "the real McCoy". Not stopping there, Mr. McCoy went on to acquire 58 patents to his name.
As for the interesting tidbits I learned of others, here are a few:
Maya Angelou was the first female streetcar conductor in San Francisco while she was in high school.
Paul Robeson mastered 27 languages in order to communicate with the people he met on his travels.
Jesse Owens contracted pneumonia several times as a child, suffering through these bouts without seeing a doctor or having any access to medicine due to poverty.

Throughout this book, time and time again, many of these illustrious African Americans whose hard work, convictions, service to country and perseverance contibuted to the betterment of society were repaid with racism and roadblocks.
It gives one pause.

[Clifford Onehundredd · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great reference book if you're looking to discover a handful of the most influential transcendent Black Americans to have ever lived. Really enjoyed this book...there are a couple of Black icons that should've been mentioned in this book, but nevertheless Molefi Kete delivers on presenting us with a book that will forever give momentum and honor to Black History.