In Search of the Racial Frontier

Years ago, I contributed a chapter to a book edited by Sara R. Massey. When Sara called to check on the progress of my chapter/contribution she excitedly told me about her just finishing reading Quintard Taylor’s book. She loved the book so much that she recommended I buy a copy. I promised to order the book. I kept my promise and almost missed getting my chapter to Sara because I appreciated Quintard Taylor’s book so much. Almost as if he was in my ear, his was a book full of did you know moments.

I understood fully when reading why… show more.

The scope of Racial Frontier is enormous. I was impressed with the timeline (1528-1990) and Taylor’s analysis of the relationships of black people with American Indians and immigrants from various regions. There’s an excellent chapter on black towns in the west. The book explores racial prejudices and challenges and triumphs in urban cultures. Racial Frontier broadened my understanding of the perilous journey of black people beyond Kansas to California and states in between. Not all were interested in owning land and Taylor provides a comprehensive overview of African Americans in occupations requiring specialized skills.