Encyclopedia of African American Society

Do your students or patrons ever ask you about African Americans in sports? How about African American Academy Award winners? Or perhaps you′re asked about more complex social issues regarding the unemployment rate among African Americans, or the number of African American men on death row? If these questions sound familiar, the Encyclopedia of African American Society is a must-have for your library.

This two-volume reference seeks to capture the ways in which the tenets and foundations of African American culture have given rise to today′s society. Approaching the field from a "street level" perspective, these two volumes cover topics of universal interest in America: rap music, sports, television, cinema, racism, religion, literature, and much more. The Encyclopedia of African American Society is also the first comprehensive yet accessible reference set in this field to give voice to the turbulent historical trends–slavery, segregation, "separate but equal"–that are often ignored in favor of mere facts. This is a definitive, reliable, and accessible entry point to learning the basics about African American society.

The encyclopedia is anchored by alphabetically arranged essays on such topics as abolitionism, affirmative action, and the civil rights movement. More than just a "who′s who", these volumes emphasize social issues and events—those filled with significance and consequence through history. Civil Rights, economic growth, law and justice, and politics—with all of their numerous subcategories—receive substantial coverage. The encyclopedia naturally contains hundreds of articles on notable African Americans (Martin Luther King, Jr., Jackie Robinson, Miles Davis), groundbreaking events (Emancipation Proclamation, Los Angeles Riots), sports and culture (Rap Music, Jazz), and significant heritage sites (Apollo Theater).

This much needed two-volume encyclopedia should become a staple in collections at school, public, and academic libraries. Readers of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnic or racial groups will find fascinating material on every page.

Key Features

• Nearly 700 signed articles
• Almost 50 photographs
• Complete list of African Americans in sports Halls of Fame
• Cross-referenced for easy links from one topic to another
• Reader′s guide facilitates easy browsing for relevant articles
• Clear, accessible writing style appropriate for high school and college students and interested lay readers
• Comprehensive index and bibliography

Topics Covered

• Concepts and Theories
• Fine Arts, Theater, and Entertainment
• Health and Education
• History and Heritage
• Literature
• Media
• Movements and Events
• Music and Dance
• Organizations and Institutions
• Places
• Politics and Policy
• Popular Culture
• Religion and Beliefs
• The Road to Freedom
• Science, Technology, and Business
• Social Issues
• Special Populations
• Sports

Advisory Board

Sherri L. Barnes, Davidson Library, University of California, Santa Barbara
W. Maurice Shipley, Ph.D., Ohio State University
William H. Wiggins, Jr., Ph.D., Indiana University