Dirty Little Secrets About Black History : Its Heroes & Other Troublemakers

by Claud Anderson, Joann Anderson (Editor), Florence Jekins (Editor)

"This book of brief antidotes, presents easy to read little known factiods about blacks in America and their extradordinary achievements under oppressive and inhumane conditions." - Amazon.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Politics

241 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1997

Reviews

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

According to legend, Tubman announced her departure times on the Underground Railroad at least twice a day by signing the hymn "Steal Away" and "Follow the Drinking Gourd" within ear shot of slave cabins. Although her spirit was as strong as her body, she carried a pistol and was prepared to use it to engender respect from whites and intestinal fortitude from cautious blacks. At great risk to her own life, Tubman made repeated trips into hostile southern areas to draw enslaved blacks out of captivity. Over a 30-year period, she lead more than 300 escaping black slaves to freedom in the North. Tubman was finally able to entice her own parents into the Underground Railroad and to guide then North as well to "freedom's land." Later, during the Civil War, she served as a nurse and spied for the North. For over a generation after the Civil War, she cared for poverty-stricken freed slaves. After a 40-year fight with the US government, she finally received a Civil War pension, Senate Committee recommended she be given 25$ a month for the rest of her life. But, before the bill for her compensation was approved in 1898, a southern Congressman reduced the amount by $5.
In the 1950's, the US Department of Energy and other federal agencies sprayed cities with large black populations, like Detroit, Michigan, to determine the impact of "certain chemical" through airborne spraying. Neither the nature of the chemicals, purpose of the studies, nor the impact on blacks were ever fully disclosed to the public. In 1994, the US Department of Energy at a Congressional hearing promised to make the studies public. They have yet to do so.

[Jimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone that is a person of color should read this book and educate yourself about real black history. You are more than just the Martin Luther Kings and Harriet Tubmans of the world

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an eye-opening version of facts...these 'dirty secrets' are will researched and certainly nothing you will read in a textbook. Read this book to discover what went on behind the scenes in some of the most discussed historical moments.

[Kiemon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few inconsistencies but overall a great work by Dr. Anderson. Always chew the meat and spit out the bones.

[Thrifty MacFrugal · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 , definite eye opener.

[Mell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The negative sounding title is about the fact that history (and many American institutions) like to ignore Black history and truths like slavery and discrimination. I like that Anderson's book recognizes both famous and unknown heroes and sheroes.

I don't agree with his perspective that "the women's issue is a class issue." While I wholeheartedly agree that white woman commandeered the women's movement, their status as white does not mean that white men are going to be the protectors of white womanhood. There are still major issues and bias regarding the dynamics of race and gender. But lots of men have been and continue to be quite happy and enthusiastic in oppressing and keeping all women excluded.

I like Anderson's salute to troublemakers and think many readers will learn new things. Bit like any historian and historical narrative, there is plenty to discuss.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read... Amazing black history that most would not know exist

[Stacey Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really? really? read it and weep...