BLACK HISTORY FOR EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR

A comprehensive collection of historic events showcasing the experiences of Black people across time and all over the world.

In this work that is organized around the months of the year, readers are immersed in grit, violence, pain, and struggle—as well as triumph. The first of the 366 entries, “January 1, 1960—The Year of Africa,” presents Ahmadou Ahidjo, the prime minister of Cameroon, who on that date declared his country’s freedom from France. The three pages for this section also briefly cover the origins and impact of the Pan-African movement. In March 1581, Yasuke, a man who’s believed to originally have come from Mozambique, traveled to Japan as the bodyguard of an Italian Jesuit missionary. His presence caused a stir, and the warlord Oda Nobunaga took him under his wing. Yasuke became a samurai, going into battle as Nobunaga’s weapon-bearer (and later inspiring a Netflix anime series). Readers will encounter notable people, groups, and events who will be new to them, as well as more familiar names, such as George Washington Carver, Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela, Trayvon Martin, Colin Kaepernick, Kamala Harris, and more. Placing these widely recognized figures within a global historical context makes for an enriching and enlightening reading experience. Text boxes labeled “Did You Know?” add intriguing tidbits, and black-and-white photos and illustrations break up the text. The fascinating, well written profiles will motivate many readers to explore further.

A triumphant acknowledgement of Black people’s trials and achievements.