Black History

Black Pioneers of Science and Invention
$6.95
Early contributors to scientific and industrial progress faced numerous obstacles such as scarce financial resources and slow communication options as they designed new machines, medicines, procedures, and equipment. Black Americans saw additional adversity in the form of discrimination and legal restrictions by race as they engaged in their work. Louis Haber carefully documents the challenges and accomplishments experienced by fourteen black American inventors as they made important contributions to science and industry during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

First featured in this book is Benjamin Banneker, a mathematician and surveyor who made the first clock ever built in the United States, prepared a set of almanacs based on his own calculations that became a household staple, and completed the surveying plans for the new capital of Washington DC. Subsequent chapters cover Norbert Rillieux, who invented the vacuum pan evaporator to make white refined sugar crystals; Jan Earnst Matzeliger, who designed and built the first shoe-lasting machine that revolutionized the automation of shoe production; and Elijah McCoy (the person behind the expression "It's the real McCoy), whose inventions in lubricating machinery were used on all railroads in the western U.S. and on all steamers on the Great Lakes.

The book further includes chapters covering the contributions of Granville T. Woods (the "Black Edison" who made numerous discoveries related to electrical systems and devices, such as railway telegraphy); Lewis Howard Latimer (whose work led to innovations in the electric lamp industry); Garrett A. Morgan (who invented the gas mask and traffic light); George Washington Carver (the most famous black American inventor who made revolutionary contributions in plant pathology and agriculture, including the research in crop rotation and the discovery of peanut products); Percy Lavon Julian (the "soybean chemist" whose discoveries in organic chemistry led to important pharmaceutical drugs such as physostigmine and cortisone); and Lloyd A. Hall (the innovative food chemist whose contributions in food technology led to the development of more nutritious and tastier foods).

The final four chapters describe the discoveries and innovations made by Ernest Everett Just, Daniel Hale Williams, Louis Tompkins Wright, and Charles Richard Drew. Just was a pioneer in zoology and marine biology who did important research on the meaning of life; Williams worked as a successful surgeon, hospital administrator, and teacher who performed the first open heart surgery; Wright was the first black physician to hold a number of important positions in the medical field and to make innovations in the use of antibiotics and medical devices such as the neck brace; and Drew's research led to life-saving developments in blood transfusions and the organization of blood banks.

The author has done a commendable job researching the personal backgrounds of these pioneers in science, medicine, and industry. Each of these men overcame enormous barriers due to discrimination, hostility, and legal restrictions because of their race. The reader is also provided with an excellent account of the impact that their innovations had on scientific and industrial progress, with details about patents, commendations, and publications. Because the author has focused only on men, the reader is left to wonder about the scientific contributions of black female Americans, a topic that would make an excellent topic of study and follow-up to this important and interesting book.

Setting the Record Straight: American History in Black & White
$8.95
David Barton is an evangelical, conservative, political activist who has made videos which promote racism. I find this subject interesting in that on several of his videos, Barton shows selected scenes from the Rodney King riots, showing black people looting. Ominous music plays ... the camera pauses on a black man's closed fist. Barton describes the riot as "motivated by an un-popular court decision" - purposely dismissing critical context to understand the event. Blacks saw this event as a unjust beating by white police who were then found not-guilty by a white jury. Barton is not technically lying, but practically he is using vicious ethics not worthy of any Christian. The video switches to patriotic music, flags flutter in the background, and Barton makes his pitch. America is going to hell because we took the Bible out of schools. His work is driven by a religious and political agenda, undermining his integrity. Buy it for indoctrination, but do not pretend this is truthful history.

Legacy: Treasures of Black History
$35.00
I am quite pleased to add this book to my libary of some great values of past history. I have quite a few others, but this one is first class.

A History Of Black Achievement In America
$129.99
This original, eight-part series documents Black Achievement in American history, its defining role in the growth of the country, and its influence on current events. Presented by James Avery, the series highlights the many contributions of Black Americans that have influenced our culture, enriched our society with their achievements, and shaped the history of the United States. It's one of the least known stories in American history. It is the story of black achievement and accomplishment. Against all odds, American blacks have built their own institutions: families, schools, churches and businesses. Against all odds, American blacks have created great art and science.... Fought heroically in every American war. Against all odds, black men and women have worked endlessly to secure their own freedom and equality. The untold Story of blacks in America is a 350-year saga of incredible achievements. This is that story. The Programs in this series are :
Program 1: Settling the New World and Founding the United States of America
Program 2: Emergence of the Black Hero
Program 3: The Fight for Freedom
Program 4: Blacks Enter the Gilded Age
Program 5: The Foundation for Equality
Program 6: Depression and War
Program 7: Civil Rights
Program 8: A New Age Features:
High Definition Enhanced
Closed Captioned
Spanish Subtitles
All pertinent Historical Documents of the period
Educator s Guide
Blackline Master Quizzes
Photo Gallery
Timeline