Before the Mayflower

A History of Black America

By: Lerone Bennett

Narrated by: John Ridle

The black experience in America - starting from its origins in western Africa up to 1961 - is examined in this seminal study from a prominent African American figure. The entire historical timeline of African Americans is addressed, from the Colonial period through the civil rights upheavals of the late 1950s to 1961, the time of publication.

Before the Mayflower grew out of a series of articles Bennett published in Ebony magazine, regarding "the trials and triumphs of a group of Americans whose roots in the American soil are deeper than the roots of the Puritans who arrived on the celebrated Mayflower a year after a Dutch man of war deposited twenty Negroes at Jamestown."

Bennett's history is infused with a desire to set the record straight about black contributions to the Americas and about the powerful Africans of antiquity. While not a fresh history, it provides a solid synthesis of current historical research and a lively writing style that makes it accessible and engaging listening.

After discussing the contributions of Africans to the ancient world, Before the Mayflower tells the history of "the other Americans", how they came to America, and what happened to them when they got here.

The book is comprehensive and detailed, providing little-known and often overlooked facts about the lives of black folks through slavery, Reconstruction, America's wars, the Great Depression, and the civil rights movement. The book includes a useful time line and some fascinating archival images.

©2020 African History (P)2020 African History

This is a must read

This book provides relevant information about the position of African Americans in the United States and the world. Thank you for shining a light on the gains made and those yet to manifest into reality.

This is American History

Before the Mayflower should be required reading for all US High School Reading. Bravo!
Before the Mayflower should be required reading for all US high school students. Bravo!

Worth every minute. A treasure.

Worthwhile listen. Historical facts you won't learn in k-12. So much info you have to listen over again periodically. A treasure.

History of the Negro/Black in America.

Excellent information on the Black race.. Truethful honest accounts. I recommend Black folks to read this book
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Historically Brilliant

A rich account of history highlighting major figures, movements, and milestones concerning the African American experience in America.