The Journal of Negro History, Volume 3, 1918

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

20906

Title

The Journal of Negro History, Volume 3, 1918

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This 1918 journal issue presents a collection of historical sketches, biographies, and essays exploring the African American experience, from the life of Josiah Henson to discussions on miscegenation and the Civil War. Featuring contributions from prominent figures like Carter G. Woodson and William B. Hartgrove, the volume offers a profound look at slavery, freedom, and the struggle for citizenship.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in 1918, Volume 3 of *The Journal of Negro History* compiles diverse scholarly articles that assert the integral connection between African American history and the broader American narrative. The volume opens with W.B. Hartgrove's detailed biography of Josiah Henson, a former slave who purchased his freedom and assisted others in escaping to Canada. Hartgrove highlights the moral complexities of the internal slave trade, recounting Henson's anguish over his role in transporting fellow enslaved people to Kentucky before he eventually secured his own liberty. Other significant contributions include Benjamin Brawley's essay on Palmares, a historical African state, and Charles E. Chapman's analysis of slavery in California. The issue also features Ivan E. McDougle's account of slavery in Kentucky and Carter G. Woodson's seminal article, "The Beginnings of Miscegenation of Whites and Blacks." In this piece, Woodson challenges prevailing theories of racial purity by tracing African ancestry in Mediterranean and European populations, noting extensive mixing in places like Brazil, Spain, and France. The volume reproduces historical documents, such as Thomas Jefferson's letters to Benjamin Banneker and Edward Coles, to illustrate evolving attitudes toward Black citizens. Furthermore, the journal explores the Civil War's impact on enslaved people, the achievements of Black soldiers, and the cultural significance of Negro folk songs. Through these varied perspectives, the journal documents both the brutal realities of bondage and the resilient pursuit of liberty and dignity, reinforcing the assertion that the fate of the Negro is the romance of American history.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Periodicals