Calvin Schermerhorn is a historian and professor dedicated to researching African American inequality and U.S. slavery. His work strives to illuminate a troubled history, one he grew up amidst. He explores how slavery shaped American society and how its legacy endures. Schermerhorn's scholarship offers crucial insights into the complex interplay of race, power, and economic structures throughout American history.
Exploring the racial wealth gap in America, this book narrates the experiences of six Black families across generations. It highlights their challenges and resilience in the pursuit of financial stability and prosperity, providing a personal lens on the broader socio-economic issues that have shaped their lives. Through these compelling stories, the book delves into themes of systemic inequality, perseverance, and the enduring impact of history on wealth accumulation.
Written as an introduction for undergraduate students, Unrequited Toil explores the history of American slavery from the American Revolution to post- Civil War Reconstruction. Personal narratives are used across twelve chronologically ordered chapters to explore themes such as politics, economics, labor, literature, rebellion, and social conditions.
Slavery in the Antebellum Upper South
The narrative highlights the resilience of enslaved individuals who prioritized family bonds over financial gain. Rather than seeking wealth, their efforts were concentrated on protecting their loved ones from the brutal realities of the slave trade, emphasizing the deep connections and struggles within their communities.