The African American Century

The African American Century profiles 100 influential Black Americans who shaped culture, politics, art, science and society from 1900 to 2000. Gates and West, two leading scholars in African American studies, chronicle these figures through biographical essays arranged chronologically across the decades. Each profile combines historical context with personal narrative to document the subject's impact and legacy. The collection includes well-known pioneers like W.E.B. Du Bois and Martin Luther King Jr., alongside less celebrated but equally significant figures in fields ranging from medicine to music. The authors examine how these individuals navigated racial barriers while making lasting contributions to American life. The book covers civil rights activists, athletes, entrepreneurs, writers, scientists, musicians, and leaders who transformed their respective domains despite systemic obstacles. Through these 100 stories, the book reveals broader patterns in how African Americans drove social progress and cultural innovation throughout the 20th century. The collected profiles demonstrate the depth and diversity of Black achievement while highlighting the ongoing struggle for equality and recognition.

Readers describe this book as a useful reference work profiling 100 influential African Americans, though some note it can feel like a basic encyclopedia entry collection. Readers appreciated: - Clear writing style accessible to high school level and up - Mix of well-known and lesser-known historical figures - Inclusion of contemporary figures from various fields - Brief but informative biographical sketches - Quality photographs throughout Common criticisms: - Profiles can be superficial rather than in-depth - Selection criteria for inclusion not fully explained - Some profiles read like résumés rather than analysis - Limited coverage of certain historical periods Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (82 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (31 ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (12 ratings) Multiple readers noted using it as a starting point for further research. One teacher reported success using individual profiles as classroom reading assignments.

Black Pioneers of Science and Invention by George Carver Washington Chronicles fourteen African American scientists and inventors who made significant contributions to American technology and science across different periods in history.

Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama A memoir that traces the author's journey through race, inheritance, and identity in America from his early years to his entry into public service.

The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson Documents the decades-long migration of African Americans from the South to the North through three individuals' personal narratives.

The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander Examines how the U.S. criminal justice system functions as a system of racial control in the age of colorblindness.

Walking with the Wind by John Lewis A firsthand account of the Civil Rights Movement from one of its key figures, detailing the journey from the segregated South through the corridors of congressional power.

🔹 The book profiles 100 influential African Americans from the 20th century, featuring one remarkable individual for each year from 1901 to 2000. 🔹 Co-author Henry Louis Gates Jr. created the groundbreaking PBS series "Finding Your Roots," which traces the genealogy of celebrities and has aired since 2012. 🔹 The profiles include both widely celebrated figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and lesser-known pioneers like Percy Julian, who revolutionized chemistry and developed treatments for glaucoma. 🔹 Co-author Cornel West became the youngest person ever to receive tenure in Harvard's Department of African and African American Studies when he was promoted to Professor of Religion at age 30. 🔹 The book deliberately features influential figures from diverse fields - not just politics and civil rights, but also science, sports, entertainment, literature, business, and education - to show the full scope of African American achievement.