Title
Black Gotham: A Family History of African Americans in NineteenthCentury New York City,Used
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A groundbreaking history of elite black New Yorkers in the nineteenth century, seen through the lens of the author's ancestorsPart detective tale, part social and cultural narrative, Black Gotham is Carla Peterson's riveting account of her quest to reconstruct the lives of her nineteenthcentury ancestors. As she shares their stories and those of their friends, neighbors, and business associates, she illuminates the greater history of AfricanAmerican elites in New York City.Black Gotham challenges many of the accepted 'truths' about AfricanAmerican history, including the assumption that the phrase 'nineteenthcentury black Americans' means enslaved people, that 'New York state before the Civil War' refers to a place of freedom, and that a black elite did not exist until the twentieth century. Beginning her story in the 1820s, Peterson focuses on the pupils of the Mulberry Street School, the graduates of which went on to become eminent AfricanAmerican leaders. She traces their political activities as well as their many achievements in trade, business, and the professions against the backdrop of the expansion of scientific racism, the trauma of the Civil War draft riots, and the rise of Jim Crow.Told in a vivid, fastpaced style, Black Gotham is an important account of the rarely acknowledged achievements of nineteenthcentury African Americans and brings to the forefront a vital yet forgotten part of American history and culture.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the main theme of 'Black Gotham'? A: 'Black Gotham' explores the history of elite African Americans in nineteenth-century New York City through the author's ancestral lens, challenging misconceptions about their experiences.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Black Gotham'? A: The author of 'Black Gotham' is Carla L. Peterson, who presents a richly detailed account of her ancestors and their achievements.
- Q: How many pages does 'Black Gotham' have? A: 'Black Gotham' contains 464 pages, providing an in-depth exploration of its themes and historical context.
- Q: What type of binding does 'Black Gotham' have? A: 'Black Gotham' is available in paperback binding, making it accessible and easy to handle.
- Q: When was 'Black Gotham' published? A: 'Black Gotham' was published on February 7, 2012.
- Q: What is the condition of the product? A: 'Black Gotham' is offered in new condition, ensuring that you receive a pristine copy.
- Q: What category does 'Black Gotham' fall under? A: 'Black Gotham' is categorized under Black & African American literature, focusing on a significant yet often overlooked aspect of history.
- Q: Is 'Black Gotham' illustrated? A: 'Black Gotham' is described as an illustrated edition, which may include images that complement the historical narrative.
- Q: What key events does 'Black Gotham' discuss? A: 'Black Gotham' discusses key events such as the trauma of the Civil War draft riots, the rise of Jim Crow, and the achievements of African Americans in trade and politics.
- Q: What makes 'Black Gotham' a unique historical account? A: 'Black Gotham' is unique in that it combines personal family history with broader social and cultural narratives, challenging many preconceived notions about African American history.