The African-American Odyssey to 1877

This clearly written, comprehensive textbook explores the African-American experience in the United States from its African origins to the present. It highlights the pivotal role African Americans have played in the nation's history, placing their experience in the context of national trends and events. Tracing their journey towards freedom and full participation in American democracy, The African-American Odyssey gives voice to leaders and ordinary men and women from all walks of life. It examines the rich and expressive culture and the independent institutions African Americans created to address their needs and ensure the survival of their communities. It explores the impact of African-American culture on the larger American culture. And it forthrightly discusses both the new opportunities and the deeply rooted inequalities confronting African Americans at the beginning of the new millennium.