Black New Orleans, 1860-1880

by John W. Blassingame

Reissued for the first time in over thirty years, Black New Orleans explores the twenty-year period in which the city’s black population more than doubled. Meticulously researched and replete with archival illustrations from newspapers and rare periodicals, John W. Blassingame’s groundbreaking history offers a unique look at the economic and social life of black people in New Orleans during Reconstruction. Not a conventional political treatment, Blassingame’s history instead emphasizes the educational, religious, cultural, and economic activities of African Americans during the late nineteenth century.

“Blending historical and sociological perspectives, and drawing with skill and imagination upon a variety of sources, [Blassingame] offers fresh insights into an oft-studied period of Southern history. . . .  In both time and place the author has chosen an extraordinarily revealing vantage point from which to view his subject. ”—Neil R. McMillen, American Historical Review

Genres: History

319 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 1973

Reviews

[Paul Haspel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful and resonant study of how the African-American community in New Orleans fought for recognition of equal rights and human dignity during the era of the Civil War and Reconstruction. Particularly recommended for readers with a strong interest in African-American history, or in the history of New Orleans.