Still I Rise: A Cartoon History of African Americans

by Roland Owen Laird Jr., Taneshia Nash Laird, Elihu Bey (Illustrator)

In Still I Rise, Roland Laird and Elihu Bey take the form to another level, using cartoons to tell the rich history of the achievements, struggles, hopes, suffering, and triumphs of people of African descent in America. Beginning with the arrival of the first African indentured servants in the colonies, and culminating in the Million Man March, Still I Rise brings to light many surprising and little-known facts of American history, making the book a joy to both those who thought they knew it all already and those learning history for the first time. As National Book Award winner Charles Johnson points out in his introduction, the history of African American cartooning is itself a vibrant one, and almost unknown. Still I Rise is a great contribution. An inspiring tribute to all the Americans of African descent who have built, defended, challenged, and re-created these United States, it not only tells history, it makes history.

Genres: Graphic Novels, History, Nonfiction, Comics, African American, Graphic Novels Comics, Politics

204 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this graphic novel. I actually learned some new facts especially from the 19th Century.

[Mateen Mahboubi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The history of Black America told in a graphical novel. A great introduction to those not as familiar with many of the events that have brought us to where we are today. It covers a lot of ground, so obviously you don't get the detail that would be like at times but it appears to do a good job covering the key figures and events in a way that allows the reader to do their own research on any topics of interest.

The graphical novel format is an interesting choice here. I would argue that while Bey's simplistic drawings don't distract from the history being told, they also don't really enhance the experience for the reader. There are some issues with the way the panels are laid out at times which makes it confusing to follow (the inclusion of arrows on some pages to guide the reader in the most egregious cases shows that this challenge may have been foreseen prior to publication).

I'm also not a fan of the additional 20 or so pages appended for the second edition (2009). While the recent history since the first publishing is appreciated, the art/lettering style changes in a way that is distracting and the entire tone is different. Our two narrators that take us through the journey suddenly appear to be antagonistic with each other due to their differing views of recent events. While the frustration is appreciated, the 180 tone shift from the first 90% of the book is sudden and surprising. Still it's nice that the book ends with a note of hope (sadly, a hope that hasn't really carried us through to today).

A very important read for those who want a quick primer for the history of the Black Experience in the US. There is a lot that we can understand in today's America if we educate ourselves on how we got here and the injustice that Black people have faced in America since their first arrival and the consequences of which continue to this day.

[Ladyiconoclast · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was recommended this book because of its introduction, which is a cursory history of African American comics and comic creators, do read the introduction if this subject interests you.

I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in African American history, but not much background in the subject. This is not a all encompassing history, but in my ignorance of the full breadth of the subject, this felt like a good overview.

A good comic history on a subject that needs less ignorance, during any month of the year.

[SanaBanana · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Funny how history repeats itself... Still this is no time for a pity party. Our history is a collective spirit, memory and imagination. We can look back at it for wisdom, but also to learn from our mistakes and missed opportunities."

To say that I've learnt a lot reading this would be a massive understatement. The story of struggle starts at the veeeery beginning, something I've never read about. However, I did find it difficult at times as the lettering would change fonts that were hard to read. Also, while the storytelling was compelling and reflective, it was at times rushed, particularly towards the end, and the style wasn't as effective in conveying the story as Maus or Persepolis did. But I suppose that since there is so much to tell in the struggles and journeys of African Americans in history as opposed to the more personal accounts in Maus or Persepolis.

This graphic novel details the long history of African Americans. At the turn of the century, many believe that the struggle is over. There is no racism. The world has changed. This is wrong, because it is here and exists right now all around the world. The recent resurgence in the Black Lives Matter movement is proof. But even now, talk of it has diminshed, at least from where I'm standing. But I believe that we are nowhere near done talking. I still want to know more. I don't know nearly enough that I should know. And that goes for so many other people out there. The struggles that the African Americans have endured has been over HUNDREDS of years. And still they rise.

[Mariah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel horrible to say this but this was probably the worst book I've read since the dictionary. It was dry and boring. For a quick summery it literally takes you through the African-American history of them being enslaved here in American and shipped, the transition from indentured servants to slaves. Then onto the liberation of slaves that lead to the segregation that was followed up by the fight for equality. Then obviously coming full circle back to the present day with Obama being the first black president. Seriously felt like I was taking a black history courses in under 300 pages... I wanted to rip my eyes out. The text was overwhelming at times to the point where I had to stop reading because my head was throbbing from taking in so much information at once. The sassy commentary was the only bearable thing. I felt as though there was some parts of this that was just too drawn out, especially the beginning of it. Personally, when reading informational driven literature I prefer the pacing of the text to match the flow of the event. So if you're writing about the climb to the civil war maybe not have it reach more than half way through the story. Even though this is a huge rising action in African-American history, I don't believe this should take the whole entire being half and then some of the novel. The end of the history became so rushed because of this and to me that just made the pacing flow so counter-active to the events in the story.

I would not recommenced this to anyone that I did not wish to torture. I am really sorry to those of you who enjoy this... I personally just don't enjoy textbook pasted over pictures.

[Luke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Still I Rise was an interesting concept for a book but not well executed. It had a lot of good information and I learned a lot about African-American history but it was a graphic novel that was obviously written by someone who doesn't do graphic novels. A good graphic novel you should be able to get the gist from just looking at the pictures, here, it was pretty much only people standing at the bottom of a panel with their mouths open and titanic blocks of text. It took me about five minutes to read a page (it should be less than a minute). however i do recommend this for ages +13 and for people who want to learn the other half of American history.

[Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

kinda weirdly capitalist, but easy read and informative. good to refer folks without previous education on black history & movements.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be the book I most wish I had read in high school (or earlier). Better late than never!

[Makenzie Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still I Rise by Roland Laird tells the story of how Africans and Blacks were treated, starting from the 1600s to today. It talks about the hard times they went through for centuries with slavery and being treated as below whites and it shows that it has not really changed today. Of course it has gotten better, but it will always be a problem that will stick with our country forever. The art style was not my favorite. It was a plain black and white and the font was hard to read at times. I thought this book was really informational and helped open my eyes to see how bad Africans and blacks are really treated. I knew it was bad but not that bad.
All of the characters grow and change, but not all are likeable. Whites were seen as evil in the eyes of the black and they can not be blamed for seeing that because they were. Blacks had grown and changed majorly, finally standing up for themselves and taking back their freedom. I recommend this story if you love history or want to know more about how blacks were treated back then, but if you do not like reading I do not recommend since it is very wordy.

[Lashawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting to read. Two "elders", man and woman, tell the history of African Americans from slavery to modern times in graphic novel form. I liked how the elders sometimes bickered with each other as they told the story, and thus illustrating that there are differing opinions on what happened in history. It was also interesting to see that there is no clear-cut absolutes. Wealthy white slaveowners were depicted as greedy pigs, but some were also portrayed sympathetically. Black people were shot at, brutalized, but they're also shown as disagreeing among themselves as to what to do.

The book also showed that black people had a strong presence in politics, even during slavery times. I liked how that the book didn't just focus on slavery, but on the conferences (blacks held a Republican conference at one point. That was delightfully ironic), as well as the writers and scientists.

The only thing that turned me off was the drawing style. It felt a little crude to me. But the history telling was so rich, I soon overlooked it.

This is something I would love to have as part of my library. Four freedom trains out of five.

[Meg Petersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would recommend this to every teacher I know and I am passing it on to my children. The beginning part of the book is really excellent. The perspective is definitely African American, and helps students see how slavery evolved. It is especially good at showing the resistance to slavery and contextualizing the Civil War as part of an on-going history of resistance.
The ending, however, was rushed. I wish more recent times could have been covered more thoroughly. Obama's campaign and eventual election get two quick pages and more recent African American achievements only get quick cameos.
That said, the beginning is SO good and surely less well presented elsewhere that I recommend that every teacher go out and get this book for their classroom library right away.

[Claude Rothman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The basics
“Still I Rise” is an outstanding graphic novel and page-turner about African Americans' dramatic history and impressive resilience.
One wonders how they survived and how a middle class emerged with so much racism and obstacles.
This gem should be a High School mandatory reading.
Concise, well written, and documented, the text remains factual, without dramatization. It is crystal clear about the essential responsibilities.
The energy of the book resides in the idea African Americans keep on rising.
Yet, I was surprised the authors decided not to mention the story of the Tulsa town or the Tuskegee Syphilis experiment.
It will sit in my library next to another powerful volume, “The undefeated.”

[Jaasiel W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was mainly about the Journey that African Americans had to take to get complete freedom in America. There were multiple periods of hard times, but black people never gave up and continued to have a desire to be free. It was very important when Africans first came to the U.S and started out as indentured slaves. More and more people wanted to and slavery and racism so they formed groups.
The NAACP is a great example of a group that wanted to end slavery. Even though Black People started at the very bottom and were disliked by many, they can still get to the top and achieve great things.

[Diana Gagliardi · Rating 4 out of 5]

For what it is, it's tremendous- a graphic history of African Americans. Compared to others of its type- Cartoon History of America, Cartoon Understanding Philosophy, Maus, etc- it's not bad but not up with those. Still better than many and VERY educational, showing many sides of the AA experience and the violent and legal struggles that were always a part of it.

Enjoy!

[Holly S]

I wish this came in non-graphic format. I cannot focus on the content when it is presented in cartoons. Would like to read it if it is ever "translated" so to speak into just plain text with occasional illustrations.

[Imani · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book 10/10. I love this author and would have loved to hear more about them but unfortunately, they died. All the greats die young.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was well researched, but the lack of chapters and the dense text made it a bit more difficult to read.

[Sienna · Rating 3 out of 5]

It lowkey taught me more rules that were put in place to separate black and white people.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love graphic novels. I love having visual representations, so I’m always excited about reading graphic novels and finding more interesting way to experience topics like history. Still I Rise is the history of African Americans, presented in a graphic format. Though it wasn’t always the most engaging or well-crafted read, I certainly learned a good deal from it.

The novel starts off explaining the reasons the first black slaves were brought to the U.S. From there a very detailed tale of how African Americans survived those dark times and rose above them unfolds. The section covering slavery is, by far, the most extensive section. So much detail is involved and so many people are introduced that the section almost takes away from later sections, like the civil rights movement. It felt almost lopsided. Because the history of slavery was so in depth, the absence of some events during the civil rights movement stood out to me. Maybe it’s because I’m from Alabama, but I’ve heard the story of Rosa Parks my whole life. That story was nowhere to be found. I found that strange. This is clearly not a thorough history, but it isn’t quite limited either. I was left wondering why some parts of the history were left out, and who made those decisions.

I will admit that I learned a lot, though we’ll see how much I retain. There were plenty of names and stories I recognized from history; there were also many that were new to me. Honestly, I think this is the type of book that’s better read slowly, in sections. I read most of it in a week, but I was rarely very engaged. My attention span waned after a story was finished or a point was made. Reading it all at once almost felt like information overload. I think my brain was just processing a TON of so much and I wish I’d given myself a little more time with it. Since it was for a class, that wasn’t an option.

This is nonfiction, but strangely enough there are characters present. The narrators of the history are a seemingly elderly man and woman who occasionally have different opinions on some of the issues. The man often exhibits a more optimistic view than the woman. Aside from presenting differing opinions, I see no point to their presence. They are never identified and never develop in any way. The narration could have stood on it’s own.

That’s the perfect segue into my next point. Graphic novels are interesting to read because they incorporate a new medium in a meaningful way. The art helps tell the story. The story, as it’s written in the graphic novel, shouldn’t be able to stand on its own. Ideally, if the art were absent, the book would have to be rewritten. The art in this graphic novel is neither effective nor particularly good. The blurb on the back of the book claims that this graphic novel has been compared to Maus, and I hope that Art Spiegelman doesn’t take that too seriously. The reason why Maus is so lauded is that the art is just as important as the story itself. It’s not just compelling because there was an important and emotional story to be told; it’s compelling because Spiegelman took the time to craft the story and art equally. The subject of Still I Rise is just as important and emotional, yet there’s a disconnect. There is nothing in the art that moved me. Frankly, there’s nothing in the art that isn’t said in the text. The creators just missed the mark, in that regard.

This the second edition of this graphic novel (Note: The previous edition subtitles it as a “cartoon history” instead of a “graphic history”). It previously ended with the Million Man March. I think the election of President Obama sparked the creation of the new edition. The problem is that the information is no longer seamless. The Million Man March still feels like a clear ending, and the rest just feels like it was tagged on the end. I suppose that’s because it was. The new section covers gang wars and African Americans in politics, but it’s clear that the purpose is to celebrate the election of the first black president.

I love the idea of creating graphic novel histories. I think it’s a great way to engage disinterested students in a topic they’re studying. I also think it’s a great way to create histories that are more accessible to people who are more visual and might become bored with reading a history book or learning meaningless facts (that person is me, by the way). I just wish this book had done that well. I’m pretty let down by it, but I’m interested to dig around and see if there are similar books that are crafted better.

Read more reviews at Owl Tell You About It.

[Ronald Wilcox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent cartoon graphic novelization of the history of the history of African-Americans. Art work is very good, writing also very good. Occasionally a little disjointed.

[Phyllis | Mocha Drop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still I Rise is a graphical novel (aka "comic strip" style) structured around the history of America and the complex, interwoven African American contributions and sacrifices to its success and greatness. Two unnamed characters remain prominent serving as narrators providing supplemental commentaries setting the stage of the eras' social and political climates enhancing the history lessons within the pages. Opening in pre-Colonial times, it traces the events and issues surrounding indentured servitude, greed, and racism that eventually lead to legalized and institutionalized slavery of Africans. It celebrates and recognizes countless unsung and infamous heroes and leaders (of all races) as it progresses through four hundred years. The courage of African Americans is not lost when the book covers America's battles with the English, Spanish, and French, and eventually itself, nor does it spare the ugliness of racism, and the struggle endured during Reconstruction and the Civil Rights Movement. At its core, it is a book that chronicles survival, faith, hope, and perseverance against insurmountable odds.

The collection is one that should be required reading for students (the graphics would appeal to even the youngest and/o r attention-challenged readers). I also highly recommend it for more "seasoned" readers as well because of its unique depiction of history. Even the forward by Charles Johnson remains in context and addresses the challenges black illustrators faced in the early 20th century. As a history lover, I loved learning "new" bits of info (the actual names of ingenious people and the rational behind some historical and political decisions) and revisiting all that I knew. I plan to purchase copies for my nephew and niece as it is a tool to initiate those much needed conversations.

Reviewed by Phyllis
January 20, 2009

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still I Rise by authors Roland Laird and Taneshia Nash Laird and illustrator Elihu “Adofo” Bey takes us on a graphical journey of African American history from before slavery was formalized in this country until the election of the first African American President. The book starts off with a foreword by Charles Johnson discussing the challenges faced by black comic artists and the legacy passed on to future black artists. This sets the tone for the rest of the book. At the start of the graphical journey, the reader is introduced to two narrators who guide, educate, humor, and challenge each other, and thus the reader as the storyline progresses from 1618 to 2008.

As the storyline moves through the years, the reader is provided with an understanding of the historical period for the United States, the unique challenges faced by African Americans, and how the issues were addressed. The reader will gain knowledge of the economic, political, and social atmosphere for each era. This provides the context for understanding the need to keep “re-creating” solutions at times to solve continuing issues. The authors and illustrator are commended for providing a good balance of information for the wide time span presented. While the subject matter might be unpleasant at times, the book never falters in presenting a positive attitude along with hope and a strong urge to survive.

I recommend this book be used in schools as an aid to teaching history and should be included in all school library and public library collections. The graphical format of the book will appeal to most young readers and the presentation of the information will lead to many discussions. I also recommend this book for all African American homes as the unique format of the book will be enjoyed across generations.

Reviewed by Beverly
APOOO BookClub
January 27, 2009

[Feiz Najmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book illustrates the basic fact that without Black people the United States of America would not be superpower she is today - a great debt is owed to African Americans but unwilling to admit it still white America turns a blind eye.
The novel shows in graphic detail the years of free labour through the institution of slavery to sharecropping and Jim Crow to even in the present day with the advent of the private prison industry fed by institutionalised racism it is a fact America's economic might was built by the labour of Black people. It details how the USA's military prowess owes a substantial debt to the overrepresentation of Black America in every military involvement from the Revolutionary War to the War on Terror. Also it highlights that the technological innovation that America prides herself with has had a large percentage of inventions come from Blacks and these are the "historically documented" ones.(Let alone the number that would have be misappropriation of inventions from legally unprotected Blacks.) Finally white America's fascination with African culture started from the beginning of the colony and to this day this continues it's so sad that America thrives of Blackness yet brutalises and demonises it every chance she gets. I hope the ease which this is read and the detail of the pictures will open more eyes and lead to America atoning for the world's greatest crime: the African Slave Trade.

[OOSA · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Horse of a Different Color

"Still I Rise: A Graphic History of African Americans" aims high, and does everything right! It's a moving, entertaining and informative experience. It is unique in that it doesn't just focus on African American males and their achievements, but also focuses on women. In addition, it highlighted many others significant in the historical struggle that many may not be aware of. "Still I Rise" is well appreciated, outstanding and exciting. I felt like I was reading an episode but it's history. Very seldom do we find history from this standpoint. I encourage others to read it, particularly our youth. I would give it more stars if I could. Excellent read!

Reviewed by: Gail

[Robin Filipczak · Rating 4 out of 5]

An outstanding graphic novel. The breadth of African American history distilled into an encyclopedic narrative of struggle, resistance, and triumph. The authors tie the political, social, and micro-history of the African American experience together in engaging ways. A "Greek chorus" is employed to provide opposing viewpoints to historical events. I learned so much, and the many snippets of information have lead me to further reading on particular topics. For instance, what's the first book ever published in the United States by an African American? The Services of Colored Americans, in the Wars of 1776 and 1812 by William C. Nell, published in 1852. I would definitely have missed it were it not for this book!

[Teddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Graphic History


'Still I rise' is a graphic history book about the struggles, heroic, and triumphant history of African Americans. It mentions all of the largely known history but it also tells of more little known facts and of important people who helped shape how America is today.

Something I certainly didn't learn in my school history books was that of indentured servitude which lead to slavery. I didn't enjoy my history classes back in grammar school or high school because the text books were dry.

This book would make students want to learn...


Read my full review here:

http://teddyrose.blogspot.com/2009/02...

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high expectations for this book and unfortunately Still I Rise: A Graphic History of African Americans just didnt do it for me. Although I appreciated how much research was presented, I didn't like how information was presented. The history is told by two unnamed elders. The two characters don't develop at all throughout the entire book, making for a really bland narration. There may as well have been no narration at all and have strictly facts. Following along with such a rich and heart wrenching history of an oppressed people in the USA should evoke some sort of emotion in the reader but it felt more like I was reading a textbook.

[Emilia P · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lot denser and had a lot more new and interesting information than I was expecting. You can really phone something like this in for graphic novel publication purposes, and this did not do that one bit. It's on the indie history side so sort of zine-y in illustration quality, production value, hard and fast and super-documented research and so on. But it's super-dedicated to its mission and I was pretty wowed. Also it was pretty hard on Dubois and his Talented Tenth, which I feel is the correct stance. :) Not that my feelings on it matter, but it was interesting to hear this perspective.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The graphic novel format allows the reader to swallow history. I like that the book high-lights African American History by not only including notable historical figures but also introducing the audience to new strong figures.

My only complaint is that for a Graphic History there is quite a bit of slanted telling. The two narrators do an excellent job of balancing views and content. There are just a few comments that slide in that I felt were unnecessary.

Overall, this is an excellent book. I would read it again. If you are in the market for an overview of African American history I would add this to your basket.

[Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really quite good non-fiction comic book outlining the horrible struggle and slowly gained triumphs/acceptance of African Americans. I really appreciated the two narrators who didn't always agree and took opposing sides on certain arguments. It added a real depth in contrast to most of the whitey history books that tell a tale of complete agreement in not only how events unfolded, but also a simple-minded "these are good guys doing the right thing and these are the bad guys doing the wrong thing." This should be a high school text book.