Greatest Blacks Ever

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 selection: 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.

From an article entitled “History’s Black Hole” from the January 10, 2016 global edition of the New York Daily News, Arthur Browne opines, “Across every field of endeavor, from the ministry to medicine and from education to entrepreneurship, book merchants balk at memorializing black experience and accomplishments.” Essentially, this book is a celebration of black accomplishments—over centuries and across continents—and seeks to fill a portion of that “black hole.” Of the roughly 7 billion people who inhabit this planet, some 1.5 billion are classified as white, and blacks account for 1.1 billion. The remaining over 4 billion are somewhere in the middle. Yet, throughout the years, a paucity of written materials have recorded the positive influences and myriad contributions that the great number of black citizens have made toward global peace, progress, prosperity, and pleasure.

Presenting short biographies of 100 extraordinary African Americans, this volume serves as a reference for scholars and an inspiration to the general reader. Asante profiles individuals who overcame great difficulty to make a contribution towards social and political equality for African Americans. The author teaches African American studies at Temple University and is the founding editor of the Journal of Black Studies. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Lists and ranks those black Americans who have had the greatest impact on the progress toward complete participation in our society.

This book summarizes the lives of the great black people that have made great contributions to the lives of many Worldwide. The book has brief detailed biographies of black activists, scientists, educators, entertainers, musicians, inventors, politicians, authors, sportsmen & women, and others who have surpassed the normal to make historical marks on society. The biographical account of each individual provides relevant dates, events and achievements by the individual. There are pictures and excellent drawings that highlight particular moments in history. This is one of the greatest pieces of work on black history and it will appeal to everyone including, students, groups, universities, libraries, schools and anyone interested in history of black people in the World.

"This book is about instruction. It's about how one comports himself now that he is successful. It's about guidance in all the areas of life that can be mysteries to the modern man." --Esquire editor-in-chief David Granger No more second-guessing--thanks to the only guide with the power to transform a man into a complete success. Esquire's The Biggest Black Book Ever shows you how to do everything right, in every area of your life. From work and grooming to fitness and sex, it's got 1,037 tricks, techniques, and secrets so you can handle yourself with confidence and style, whether you're meeting the boss, going on a first date, or attending a black-tie event. Includes 875 photos and illustrations.

A dynamic and hip collective biography that presents forty-four of America's greatest movers and shakers, from Frederick Douglass to Aretha Franklin to Barack Obama, written by ESPN's TheUndefeated.com and illustrated with dazzling portraits by Rob Ball. Meet forty-four of America's most impressive heroes in this collective biography of African American figures authored by the team at ESPN's TheUndefeated.com. From visionaries to entrepreneurs, athletes to activists, the Fierce 44 are beacons of brilliance, perseverance, and excellence. Each short biography is accompanied by a compelling portrait by Robert Ball, whose bright, graphic art pops off the page. Bringing household names like Serena Williams and Harriet Tubman together with lesser-known but highly deserving figures such as Robert Abbott and Dr. Charles Drew, this collection is a celebration of all that African Americans have achieved, despite everything they have had to overcome.

In the last six years, Nigeria has broken the grip of dictatorship, poverty, and corruption to emerge as one of Africa's most peaceful nations. A role model for other developing countries, Nigeria now enjoys its position as a peace and power broker, defying the odds of its past. Home to the world's greatest concentration of black people and led by President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigeria now enjoys economic prosperity and the fruits of democracy. But these successes were fraught with challenges. The denigration and stereotyping of black people created a constant barrier to change, one that was not easily overcome. Dr. Jubril Olabode Aka delivers a compelling portrayal of Nigeria, focusing on the country's emerging force for tolerance and hope. Aka discusses such topics as peaceful conflict resolution, Nigeria's foreign policy, the government's success in eliminating fraud and corruption, and the need to eradicate discrimination. Blacks Greatest Homeland examines Nigeria's history, leadership, and future, offering an honest and positive look at the sweeping changes Nigeria has made in the last decade.