The Black Towns

By Norman L. Crockett,

Book cover of The Black Towns

Book description

From Appomattox to World War I, Black Americans continued their quest for a secure position in the American system. The problem was how to be both black and American-how to find acceptance, or even toleration, in a society in which the boundaries of normative behavior, the values, and the very…

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why read it?

1 author picked The Black Towns as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

In addition to information about patterns of settlement and leadership, Crockett provides a rare glimpse into intra-racial prejudices. Was it better to have light-colored skin, or would pride in being black predominate? Some editors argued that “past association with whites had corrupted the race.” Skin color was a criterion for social position in some communities, with attitudes varying from town to town. Most scholars are reluctant to touch this subject. I salute Crockett’s courage in delving into the hierarchy of color.   

Want books like The Black Towns?

Our community of 10,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Black Towns.

Browse books like The Black Towns

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in African Americans, the American Civil War, and presidential biography?

10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about African Americans, the American Civil War, and presidential biography.

African Americans Explore 725 books about African Americans
The American Civil War Explore 288 books about the American Civil War
Presidential Biography Explore 18 books about presidential biography