Black, White, Colored: The Hidden Story of an Insurrection, a Family, a Southern Town, and Identity in America

by Lauretta Malloy Noble, LeeAnet Noble

An absorbing investigation into a little-known historical tragedy—an insurrection which upended a resilient and wealthy Black community who found themselves in the clutches of an insurrection at the turn of the twentieth century in Laurinburg, North Carolina.

In the late nineteenth century, Laurinburg, North Carolina, was a beacon of racial calm—a place where Blacks and whites could live and work together. Black families like the Malloys became landlords, business owners, and doctors. Thriving together and changing the economic landscape. But that progress was shattered on the eve of Election Day, 1898, when supremacist groups launched a bloody attack, forcing Laurinburg’s Black citizens to flee. This riot was beginning of the only recorded insurrection, stripping middle-class Blacks—who made strides during Reconstruction—of their seats on every electoral board.

With meticulous research drawn from sources including The New York Age and census records, the descendants of the town's early Black leaders, Lauretta Malloy Noble and LeeAnét Noble uncover the trailblazing achievements of their ancestors. Piecing together proof of Black resilience in a region shaped by profound adversity whose contributions extended beyond Laurinburg to institutions including Howard University and Meharry Medical College.

Black, White, Colored is the first book to shine a spotlight on the events in Laurinburg and its impact on the town’s Black occupants, giving Laurinburg its rightful place in American history.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Audiobook, Race, American History

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2025

Reviews

[Allena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting look at a family and a town! Love learning pieces of history I didn’t know before.

[Angie Cosi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A look at another untold story in African American history. So much of this history is overlooked or simplified to slavery and then civil rights. This book highlights a community in North Carolina where African Americans thrived despite the political climate of the country. The history of the family is explored and often ignored aspect of African American history are discussed. It jumps around in time a bit but covers generations of one family. Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC.

[Valerie Knapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fascinating dive into the history of a family and the small, unassuming Southern town from whence they came provides insight on a landmark insurrection and little-known details of a vibrant and prosperous Black community.

Lauretta Malloy Noble and LeeAnét Noble offer an intriguing perspective which is scarcely, if ever, seen in a history text book. They intricately weave their charismatic family stories into the broader historical framework of Black culture, illuminating the reader along the way.

This is only one of many Black stories that have been kept frustratingly clandestine from the forefront of American history. The research and citation required to piece such story together is commendable.

I can only hope schools and other educational outfits share and endorse more personalized historical literature like this to fill in some of the considerable gaps in the accounts of BIPOC American history.

[Darlene English · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so grateful my cousins wrote this book! I learned so much about distant relatives and felt pride for the ones who endured racial terrors and found ways to thrive despite what was happening. At a time when Black American history is being erased, this book shines a light on race in America by way of a little known insurrection in Laurinburg, North Carolina. This is not only a compelling story of family, survival and resilience, but also an important reminder that if we don't know our history we will be doomed to repeat it. Do yourself a favor and celebrate Black History Month by selecting Black, White, Colored, The Hidden Story of an Insurrection, A Family, A Southern Town, and Identity in America for your book clubs, book groups for schools and for your family members. Black History is American History and we all benefit from knowing and understanding where we come from. Acknowledging where you've been prepares you for where you're going.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tackles a powerful and often overlooked piece of American history, and the author’s personal connection to the story gives it real emotional weight. I appreciated the way the narrative ties together family history, racial identity, and a community’s buried past. There are chapters that are genuinely gripping and eye-opening. That said at times the book shifted so much between personal memoir, historical analysis, and investigative reporting that I got lost in the shuffle. Overall, it’s a meaningful and valuable read.
Thank you Harper One for the ARC copy!

[Chigweshe Mudzamiri · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must read for anyone interested in learning about how through generations, Africans in the diaspora have navigated issues, of identity, race, wealth and politics in America in general.

[Bethany Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I t loved the information, I just did not enjoy the authors writing style.

[Constance Chevalier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written and researched book which enriches the reader about a special place and community in the South. Everything is explained as the secrets unfold for this family for generations to come.