Critical Reflections on Black History

(Hardback)

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Wright presents this collection of six essays on aspects of black history. Each essay is based upon a critical historical methodology that is comprised of, among other things, a racial analysis, an intersectional analysis, rigorous logic, conceptual integrity, and a critical analysis of ideas, words, and images. Critical of the romantic approach to the subject, Wright seeks to uncover a deeper analysis, knowledge, and truth regarding aspects of black history, even when it involves the presentation of material and viewpoints that some might find objectionable. He predicates these pieces on the idea that history is still a valuable subject, firmly rejecting the postmodern view that it has lost its validity. Wright demonstrates that black history is a vital and necessary subject, not only for black people, but for all Americans. A critical black history is itself, Wright contends, a device to evaluate American history in a critical manner, to get into the subject more deeply, and to adduce deeper knowledge and truths about it. These essays show the author's interest in strengthening that critical capacity of black historical writing and his belief that this is a primary and necessary means to maintain the viability and productivity of the academic discipline and to ward off its detractors.

Reviews

Critical Reflections on Black History is a valuable set of essays that deserves the attention of any serious student of black history.-History: Review of New Books
Just becuase white American history is also less critical than it should be, says Wright black American history should not be satisfied with the degree of critical analysis it too often demonstrates. He suggests ways to augment its critical capacity through scholarship or commentary, analysis, and the use of language.-Reference & Research Book News
Wright argues with personal passion that the field of black scholarship will greatly benefit from defining its categories and seeking objectivity in its analyses. He argues that black studies will have more meaning if it commits to defining its subjects as the ethnic black Africans of slavery "and their Black progeny." Using this approach in a style that is most accessible to sophisticated readers, the book includes chapters on race and racism, black women, black memory, and a revised perspective on Booker T. Washington. This well-written book with valuable insights is highly recommended for scholarly libraries and general collections serving readers interested in understanding the discipline of black studies.-Choice
"Critical Reflections on Black History is a valuable set of essays that deserves the attention of any serious student of black history."-History: Review of New Books
"Just becuase white American history is also less critical than it should be, says Wright black American history should not be satisfied with the degree of critical analysis it too often demonstrates. He suggests ways to augment its critical capacity through scholarship or commentary, analysis, and the use of language."-Reference & Research Book News
"Wright argues with personal passion that the field of black scholarship will greatly benefit from defining its categories and seeking objectivity in its analyses. He argues that black studies will have more meaning if it commits to defining its subjects as the ethnic black Africans of slavery "and their Black progeny." Using this approach in a style that is most accessible to sophisticated readers, the book includes chapters on race and racism, black women, black memory, and a revised perspective on Booker T. Washington. This well-written book with valuable insights is highly recommended for scholarly libraries and general collections serving readers interested in understanding the discipline of black studies."-Choice

Author Bio

W. D. WRIGHT is Professor Emeritus of History at Southern Connecticut State University.