By Lean'tin Bracks. The most complete and affordable single-volume reference of African American culture available today, this almanac is a unique and valuable resource devoted to illustrating and demystifying the moving, difficult, and often lost history of black life in America. A legacy of pride, struggle, and triumph spanning more than 400 years is presented through a fascinating mix of biographies—including more than 750 influential figures—little-known or misunderstood historical facts, enlightening essays on significant legislation and movements, and 150 rare photographs and illustrations. Covering events surrounding the civil rights movement; African American literature, art, and music; religion within the black community; and advances in science and medicine, this reference connects history to the issues currently facing the African American community and provides a range of  information on society and culture. Visible Ink Press (2011), English, Pages: 512. 

Lean’tin Bracks, is chair of the department of arts and languages at Fisk University and has published numerous biographies, critical reviews, and scholarly perspectives, including, African American National Biography, The Black Scholar, Contemporary African-American Novelists, Encyclopedia of African American Popular Culture, and Notable African American Men. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee. Jessie Carney Smith is a William and Camille Cosby Professor at Fisk University and has published more than 20 books. Her works include, Black Firsts, Black Genealogy, Black Heroes, Encyclopedia of African American Business, Epic Lives, Freedom Facts, Notable Black American Men, Notable Black American Women, and Powerful Black Women, She lives in Nashville, Tennessee.