Encyclopedia of African-American Civil Rights: From Emancipation to the Present

by Charles D. Lowery (Editor)

This is the first reference book presenting an overview of the century-long fight for true racial equality in America. This remarkable encyclopedia covers a wide array of events, legislation, court decisions, cultural achievements, speeches, organizations, and personalities that have contributed to the cause of African-American civil rights--from the Albany, Georgia "sit-in" of 1961 to the racially motivated killing of Samuel Younge in 1966; from the unjustifiable "Jim Crow" laws of the 1870s to President Bush's veto of the Civil Rights Act of 1990; from the first black illustrated newspaper, the Indianapolis Freeman, to the literary figures of the Harlem Renaissance. Outlined are the non-violent protests led by Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as the radical confrontationalism of Malcolm X. The peaceful 1964 March on Washington contrasts sharply with the Detroit race riots of 1967--but all the events covered in this volume are objectively and comprehensively summarized. The constant struggles against racism, segregation, and lack of opportunity are chronicled in more than 800 useful and readable entries. Written by over 100 authors, the entries also provide ready access to relevant literature in the field. The encyclopedia also contains a chronology, a general bibliography, and a subject index. It includes almost 100 illustrations.

688 pages, Hardcover

First published May 30, 1992

About the author

Charles Lowery is professor emeritus of history at Mississippi State University.