Joan Potter

I have frankly been surprised by how interesting I have found this book. I expected it to be a rather dry compilation of facts. Instead, each "first" is a mini-biography, most often only 2-4 paragraphs. And, because these are the stories of African Americans, those mini-biographies are almost always stories of overcoming significant, often dreadful difficulties. Likewise, fairly often, the mini-biographies have disappointingly sad endings when the prevailing prejudice once again overwhelms the individual's accomplishment as an African American first. Thus, I have found story after story interesting and enlightening. The book, therefore, is much more than a compilation of facts about individuals. As a whole, it conveys a breadth of the African American experience from the earliest history of our nation to the present and in all fields of endeavor. I recommend this book to anyone.… (plus d'informations)