Black and Brown: African Americans and the Mexican Revolution, 1910–1920

Black and Brown: African Americans and the Mexican Revolution examines the complex relationships between African Americans and Mexico during the turbulent period of 1910-1920. The book focuses on the experiences of Black Americans living and working in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands during the Mexican Revolution. Horne documents how African Americans navigated changing racial dynamics and political tensions in this border region. The narrative covers their interactions with Mexican revolutionaries, indigenous peoples, and U.S. military forces, while exploring their search for freedom from Jim Crow laws and racial discrimination. The text analyzes the U.S. government's conflicted stance on deploying Black troops along the border while harboring concerns about their loyalties. It chronicles the evolution of the borderlands from a relative haven for African Americans to an increasingly dangerous zone as revolutionary violence intensified. This historical account reveals broader themes about race, nationality, and power in early 20th century North America. The book contributes to understanding how international conflicts and social movements can reshape racial hierarchies and challenge established national boundaries.

Readers found this book fills an important research gap by documenting African American involvement in the Mexican Revolution, though some note the narrow academic focus limits its broader appeal. Readers appreciated: - New research and archival material - Details about cross-border alliances between Black Americans and Mexicans - Examination of how race relations in Mexico influenced African American perspectives - Coverage of overlooked historical figures like Elizabeth Catlett Main criticisms: - Dense academic writing style - Assumes significant background knowledge - Limited discussion of post-1920 impacts - High price point for a relatively short book Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (12 ratings) Amazon: No reviews available A reader on Goodreads noted: "Important contribution to both African American and Mexican Revolutionary history, though the writing can be dry at times." The book appears primarily reviewed in academic journals rather than consumer review sites.

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🔹 African American soldiers who served along the Mexican border often found themselves in the paradoxical position of enforcing U.S. policies while secretly sympathizing with Mexican revolutionaries fighting against similar forms of oppression. 🔹 Gerald Horne has authored more than 30 books on civil rights, labor, and international relations, and holds the John J. and Rebecca Moores Chair of History at the University of Houston. 🔹 During the Mexican Revolution, the border town of Tampico became a significant hub for African American expatriates, offering them opportunities in the booming oil industry and relative freedom from racial discrimination. 🔹 The U.S. military's 10th Cavalry Regiment, an all-Black unit known as the "Buffalo Soldiers," played a crucial role in border operations during the Mexican Revolution, despite facing discrimination within their own ranks. 🔹 Mexican revolutionary leader Pancho Villa actively recruited African American soldiers to join his forces, promising them equal treatment and leadership positions—a stark contrast to their experience in the U.S. military.