African Americans on the Great Plains

<p> </p><p>Until recently histories of the American West gave little evidence of the presence—let alone importance—of African Americans in the unfolding of the western frontier. There might have been a mention of Estevan slavery or the Dred Scott decision but the rich and varied experience of African Americans on the Great Plains went largely unnoted. This book the first of its kind supplies that critical missing chapter in American history.</p><p>Originally published over the span of twenty-five years in <em>Great Plains Quarterly</em> the essays collected here describe the part African Americans played in the frontier army and as homesteaders community builders and activists. The authors address race relations discrimination and violence. They tell of the struggle for civil rights and against Jim Crow and they examine African American cultural growth and contributions as well as economic and political aspects of black life on the Great Plains. From individuals such as “Pap” Singleton Era Bell Thompson Aaron Douglas and Alphonso Trent; to incidents at Fort Hays Brownsville and Topeka; to defining moments in government education and the arts—this collection offers the first comprehensive overview of the black experience on the Plains.</p><p>Bruce A. Glasrud is a professor emeritus of history at California State University East Bay and a retired dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Sul Ross State University. He is the editor of numerous works including (with Merline Pitre) <em>Black Women in Texas History</em>.</p><p>Charles A. Braithwaite is the editor of <em>Great Plains Quarterly</em> and a University of Nebraska–Lincoln graduate fellow in the Department of Communication Studies and director of the Global Classroom Project.</p><p>Contributors: Shawn Leigh Alexander Richard M. Breaux Thomas R. Buecker Bruce A. Glasrud Joseph V. Hickey Tom Jack Michael K. Johnson James N. Leiker Clare V. McKanna Jr. Dennis N. Mihelich Marc Rice R. Bruce Shepard Audrey Thompson Jean Van Delinder and Ronald Walters.</p>