Books

My four published book projects, very much like the one in-progress, may all seem to be about one thing, namely history—whether art history, political history, cultural history or Mexican history. Close reading reveals what these five books really have in common is related but distinct, namely oral history and its transmission through the generations via elder griots.

Romare Bearden: Artist (1994)

Depicting the life of Romare Bearden, a biography tells the story of a brilliant artist who created powerful collages and paintings of humanity from the perspective of African-American experience. Bearden's Southern childhood, teenage years in New York at the height of the Harlem Renaissance, and lifelong struggles with channeling his artistic talent fuel this thoughtfully presented book. Black-and-white reproductions and a few color plates give an indication of the artist's work. ~ Horn Book

Malcolm X: His Life & Legacy (1995)

The handsome open design will draw browsers to this large-size biography of a black leader who continues to speak with urgency to young people today. There are beautifully reproduced photographs on thick paper with lots of white space and compelling quotes in the wide margins. Brown combines political biography with history of the Nation of Islam and the 1960s civil rights struggle and with analysis of Malcolm X as hero in the 1990s. Brown is candid about Malcolm's weaknesses, while showing the strength of a leader continually transforming himself. The writing style is direct, especially in the biography chapters. Direct quotes are documented in notes at the back, and readers will want to go from here not only to the Autobiography of Malcolm X (1965), but also to the growing literature about him. ~ Booklist

New York Public Library African American Desk Reference (2000)

A wealth of vital information about African-American history, culture, and contemporary life In the tradition of the million-selling New York Public Library Desk Reference, here is the ultimate one-stop resource for information about African-American life. Packed with over 5,000 entries, this landmark reference taps the resources of the prestigious Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture to provide an array of frequently sought information. whether you're looking for Nat Turner's revolt, scholarships for black students, Bessie Smith's greatest hits, or members of the Congressional Black Caucus. Combining information not found in any other single book -- and hard to find on the Internet -- this unique work serves as an essential historical and cultural reference, comprehensive resource directory, and browsable collection of fascinating facts and figures. Topics covered include politics and civil rights, business, religion, science, health, the arts, sports, and the Diaspora. The information is presented in a host of formats, including charts, tables, timelines, historical entries, reading lists, recipes, and biographical profiles. The New York Public Library is one of the most respected names in reference publishing. Their acclaimed reference works have sold in excess of a million copies. The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is regarded as one of the world's foremost research facilities devoted to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of materials documenting black life.

Ocosingo War Diary: Voices from Chiapas (2014)

Efraín Bartolomé, a poet from Chiapas, lived through the entire beginning of the Zapatista uprising in 1994. His family, like many in the village of Ocosingo, received death threats from the Zapatista guerrillas who demanded they join them at risk of being declared enemies of the Revolution. This book, equal parts poetry and diary, is his account of that conflict.