Before the Mayflower by Lerone Bennett Jr.

Based on the trials and triumphs of Negro Americans, the book tells a story which is relevant to all men. Grounded on the work of scholars and specialists, the book is designed for the non-specialist. As such, it will be a valuable addition to the library of every discerning American. Written in a dramatic, readable style, Before The Mayflower throws a great deal of light on today’s headlines. and the Sit-in Generation are fashioning in the North and South. The book begins in Africa with the great empires of the Nile Valley and the western Sudan and ends with the Second Reconstruction, which Martin Luther King Jr. This is a history of the American Negro, whose ancestors arrived at Jamestown a year before the arrival of the “Mayflower.” The stories of my ancestors have shown me that I come from a strong stock that can survived the worst of times so that I may have the best of times.įrom the inside flap of the print edition of 1962: I was inspired by this book to continue to strive for progress and thus success. Even with all of the hardships people of color tried again and again to be the best that society would not let them. I knew that people of color in this country had it rough but this truly shows just how bad. Highly readable and enormously enlightening. I found it later when I had the luxury of being able to read what I wanted, rather than that which was assigned, and have used it to some degree in home schooling my son (though it is too difficult for most high school students). This book was published and available at almost the same time I finished my degree. Through impeccable research, he has uncovered history and culture that was not readily available those many years ago.

Bennett gives voice to Black Americans, and to the cultures they brought with them. My students liked it so much most of them went out and bought their own copies.

When I taught our school African American History class this was my text. If you are wanting to know more about the story of African Americans this book is very readable and accurate. This a great introduction, if not then the best introduction, to African American History.

Before the Mayflower by Lerone Bennett Jr.