Lucent Library of Black History Series

The enslavement of Africans in America is one of the most shameful aspects of U.S. history. In modern times, some activist groups have called for compensation, also known as reparations, to be made to descendants of slaves. Detailing all the angles of this ongoing debate, this subject is explored through rich main text, engaging sidebars, primary sources, and annotated quotes from influential figures. Readers get a nuanced understanding of the arguments both for and against reparations for slavery, enhancing what they learn in their social studies classes.

When European settlers first started their migration to the Western Hemisphere, they found land that was ready for farming. To build this agricultural society, they bought and sold slaves from Africa. Through the detailed text, contemporary and historical images, and informative sidebars, readers get a sense of how complex and dangerous the transatlantic slave trade was in the early years of New World exploration. Powerful quotes from primary sources and scholars bring this painful period in America’s past to life, asking readers to think more critically about history.