The African-American Century : How
Black Americans Have Shaped Our
Country by Cornel West
Great Reference: Just Understand Its Purposes
The African American century was the one in which African American life
was transformed--and the century in which African Americans changed
America. When it began, only 35 years after the end of slavery, few could
envision what the 20th century would hold for black Americans. The 100
men and women described in this compendium, written by two of the most
prominent black scholars and social commentators in America, represent
important moments in the struggle to deepen Americas democratic roots
against the overwhelming forces of racism and bigotry. By choosing 100
(10 per decade), Gates and West ensured that they would have to omit
important black figures. Nevertheless, the profiles achieve their purpose: to
demonstrate and celebrate the multifaceted and profound achievements of
African Americans in fields as diverse as science, politics, the military,
literature, entertainment, and academia. From W.E.B. Du Bois, probably
the greatest African American intellectual of the 20th century, to Tiger

Woods, golfs first black superstar, the well-written, fact-filled profiles
present those who have lived extraordinary lives and shown tremendous
courage. The roster includes the well-known, such as Louis Armstrong,
Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, and Oprah Winfrey, as well as the more
obscure but no less important. These include Carter G. Woodson, who
pioneered the historical study of black America; Charles Richard Drew,
who founded two of the worlds largest blood banks and in so doing
prevented millions of deaths; and Barbara Harris, the first woman bishop.
Gates and West also embrace controversial figures such as Louis
Farrakhan, Tupac Shakur, and Angela Davis, emphasizing their positive
imprints while acknowledging their complexity. With this valuable addition
to black history collections, the authors (both controversial in their own
rights) continue their quest to fill the aching gaps in public awareness
about African Americans and remind us that self-confidence, dignity, and
excellence are the essential virtues in the great historical drama of
American democracy. --Lesley Reed
Personal Review: The African-American Century : How Black
Americans Have Shaped Our Country by Cornel West
Even though this book gives brief biographical sketches of significant
African Americans, I still give it five stars for the following reasons:1) It is a
very neatly organized resource for notable African-Americans, that can
give quick and accurate information about these people and their times. I
like that each page clearly shows the decade during which that person
made major accomplishments. For each person profiled, there is at least
one photo, and a provocative, "boxed" quote.2) This kind of book is
desperately needed by most of America's schoolteachers. Many are not
well-informed about the achievements of African-Americans, and here they
get a quick, clear, and stimulating profile of many who made major
contributions. Further, Professors Gates and West provide a bibliography
that leads the reader to at least one significant in-depth work about each
person profiled, so those who want to know more are "pointed in the right
direction."3) While there are some sports and entertainment figures, I don't
think there is any bias in that direction. With personages like Muhammad
Ali, Jackie Robinson, and Hank Aaron, you MUST include them in a work
like this because they really transcended sports, and became larger-than-
life symbols of social issues.4) Professors Cornel West and Henry Gates
Jr. write in a very clear manner, and don't candy-coat their subject manner.
They point out the contradictions in many of these peoples' lives, mention
their social critics, and demonstrate that meaningful lives are seldom neat
and tidy ones. To professors Gates and West, I say "Thanks, fellas, for not
coming across like the stereotypical "stuffy Harvard scholars!" Finally, if
you know of a school teacher who is well-intended about teaching more
about African American history, but maybe can benefit from an attractively
presented and easily accessible resource book, think of this as a
thoughtful gift to that person. Next time February (Black History Month)
rolls around, they will have lots of suggestions for class projects and pupil
reports.

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