Letters from Black America

by Pamela Newkirk (Editor)

Letters from Black America fills a literary and historical void by presenting the pantheon of African American experience in the most intimate way possible—through the heartfelt correspondence of the men and women who lived through monumental changes and pivotal events, from the 1700s to the twenty-first century, from slavery to the war in Iraq. The first-ever narrative history of African Americans told through their own letters, this book includes the thoughts of politicians, writers, and entertainers, as well as those of slaves, servicemen, and domestic workers. From a slave who writes to his wife on the eve of being sold to famous documents like Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” these writings illuminate struggles and triumphs, hardships and glory, in the unforgettable words of the participants themselves. Letters from Black America is an indispensable addition to our country’s literary tradition, historical understanding, and self-knowledge.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

400 pages, Hardcover

First published February 3, 2009

Reviews

[UnControlled Pen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice read. it was also, as a black man, sometimes a difficult read. Although I have read many books on slavery; to read the letters of the slaves write about the separation of family, and even having to marry someone else because they may not be able to visit each other again.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this collection so much.

[Troy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a letter aficionado, and a black man, I was drawn to this book simply because the subject matter spoke to me. Letters from black folk from all walks of life are here, and copious details as to who the authors and recipients are are greatly helpful in figuring out context. I am sensitive to the breadth of topics and the vernacular; the familiar and the businesslike are side by side here.

What threw me off was, in the preface to the first chapter, the editor throws in her opinion that the downfall of African American life can be traced to ONE thing: that black people have abandoned the nuclear family. I was so disgusted with this out-of-place and out-of-context opinion that I didn't read any more chapter introductions. Never mind poverty and sexuality being set upon by discrimination; you damned black men and black women get divorced and that's why you can't have nice things. GTFOH.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I wish people would rise up against e-mail and pick up their pens to write wonderful missives. Sigh. I know it will never happen. I love the letters in this book. Lovely little glimpses into others lives, and yes, I am slightly voyeuristic.

[Brittany · Rating 2 out of 5]

An important piece of history for sure but very hard to read much in one sitting. The choice of letters at first were emotional and heartwrenching, later more politically fueled and dry. Not to mention confusing at times as they were parts of long correspondences. Stopped at page 257 of 350.

[Steven Yenzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderfully varied selection of letters with concise introductions that, for the most part, give sufficient context. I enjoyed the beginning more than the end, as the letters definitely got drier as the book went on, and the casual tone of some made them difficult to understand.