Harry A. Kersey Jr.

Harry A. Kersey Jr. is an American historian and professor emeritus at Florida Atlantic University, recognized for his extensive scholarship on the Seminole and Miccosukee peoples of Florida. His research and publications have focused particularly on 20th century Native American history, federal Indian policy, and tribal sovereignty issues. Kersey's most notable works include "The Florida Seminoles and the New Deal" (1989) and "An Assumption of Sovereignty: Social and Political Transformation Among the Florida Seminoles, 1953-1979" (1996). These books documented crucial periods in Seminole history, examining how federal policies and economic developments affected tribal communities. His scholarship has contributed significantly to the understanding of how the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes maintained their cultural identity while adapting to modern economic and political realities. Kersey's research methodology often incorporated oral histories and firsthand accounts from tribal members, providing valuable primary source documentation of Florida's indigenous communities. Throughout his academic career, Kersey served as a consultant to both the Seminole Tribe of Florida and various government agencies on matters relating to Native American education and tribal affairs. His work has been widely cited in academic literature and legal proceedings involving Native American rights and tribal sovereignty.

Limited review data is available online for Harry A. Kersey Jr.'s works. His books on Florida Seminole history receive positive ratings from academic readers and researchers, but have few public reviews on major platforms. Readers value: - Detailed documentation of Seminole tribal governance - First-hand accounts from tribal members - Clear explanations of federal Indian policies Criticisms focus on: - Dense academic writing style - High textbook pricing - Limited coverage of cultural aspects Review Data: Goodreads: "Pelts, Plumes and Hides" - 3.5/5 (2 ratings, 0 reviews) "An Assumption of Sovereignty" - No ratings Amazon: No customer reviews available WorldCat: Referenced in 319 academic works Note: Most engagement with Kersey's work appears in academic citations rather than consumer reviews. His books are primarily used as research references rather than general reading.

The Florida Seminoles and the New Deal, 1933-1942 - Analyzes how New Deal policies affected the Seminole tribe in Florida, focusing on the Indian Reorganization Act and federal initiatives.

Pelts, Plumes, and Hides: White Traders Among the Seminole Indians, 1870-1930 - Documents the trading relationships between white merchants and Seminole Indians in Florida during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

An Assumption of Sovereignty: Social and Political Transformation Among the Florida Seminoles, 1953-1979 - Chronicles the changes in Seminole governance and society from federal termination policies through tribal reorganization.

The Florida Seminoles in the New Century - Examines modern Seminole life, economic development, and tribal governance in the late 20th century.

Buffalo Tiger: A Life in the Everglades - Biography of Miccosukee leader Buffalo Tiger, co-authored with Buffalo Tiger himself, detailing his life and leadership.