Excluded from history books, overlooked in classrooms and neglected by the media, African Americans have long been denied an accurate picture of their contributions to America, from colonial days to the present. But times have changed and the record can now be set straight. From the inventors of the traffic light and the gas mask to winners of an Oscar and the Olympic gold, this authoritative resource reveals over 450 'firsts' by African Americans - wonderful accomplishments achieved despite poverty, discrimination and racism.

As entertaining as it is informative, this is a completely up-to-date reference work presenting over 450 'firsts' by African Americans, from the invention of the traffic light to the doctor who first performed open heart surgery...from the explorer who reach the North Pole before Admiral Perry to the first novel by an African American to become a Book-of-the-Month Club Selection, and now including firsts by Halle Berry, Vonetta Flowers and Pulitzer Prize-winner Suzan-Lori Parks. Includes over 75 pages of photographs. 'A black history buff's dream' - Ebony

Presents capsule accounts of notable first achievements by African Americans, arranged in the categories "Agriculture and Everyday Life, " "Dentistry and Nursing, " "Life Science, " "Math and Engineering, " "Medicine, " "Physical Science, " and "Transportation."

Amazing stories of 100 Black Americans who everyone should know—for kids eight and up Engaging and packed with facts, 100 African Americans Who Shaped American History is the perfect Black history book for kids! This biography book for kids features 100 easy-to-read one-page biographies: Find out how these Black Americans changed the course of history! Illustrated portraits: Each biography includes an illustration to help bring history to life! A timeline, trivia questions, project ideas and more: Boost your learning and test your knowledge with fun activities and resources! Discover artists, activists, icons, and legends throughout American history! 100 African Americans Who Shaped American History introduces kids of all ages to some of the most influential Black Americans from the very beginning of the country all the way up to present day. Learn all about the incredible lives and lasting legacies of figures like Harriet Tubman, Duke Ellington, Malcolm X, Mae Jemison, and many more!

Updated With The Latest Facts And Photos "A Black history buff's dream." --Ebony From ground-breaking achievements to awe-inspiring feats of excellence, this definitive resource reveals over 450 "firsts" by African Americans in fields as diverse as government, entertainment, education, science, medicine, law, the military, and the business world. Discover the first doctor to perform open heart surgery and the youngest person to fly solo around the world. Learn about the first African Americans to walk in space, to serve two terms as President of the United States, and many other wonderful and important contributions often accomplished despite poverty, discrimination, and racism. Did you know that. . . At her first Olympics, Gabrielle Douglas became the first African American woman to win gold in both the team and individual all-around Olympic competitions. Sophia Danenberg scaled new heights as the first African American to reach the top of Mount Everest. Dr. Patricia E. Bath revolutionized laser eye surgery as the first African American woman doctor to receive a patent. Shonda Rhimes was the first African American woman to create and produce a top television series. Ursula Burns was the first African American woman CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Spanning colonial days to the present, African American Firsts is a clear reflection of a prideful legacy, a celebration of our changing times, and a signpost to an even greater future. Over 100 Pages of Photographs Fully Revised and Updated "Fascinating. . .an excellent source for browsing and for locating facts that are hard to find elsewhere." --School Library Journal "I recommend this book, a tool with innumerable possibilities which will help individuals understand. . .the contributions and inventions of African Americans." --The late Dr. Betty Shabazz "For browsing or serious queries on great achievements by blacks in America." --Booklist

This comprehensive and entertaining account of African-American history is presented in a fun, engaging, and intelligent way. Significant information in six broad sections includes Great Migrations; Civil Rights and Politics; Science, Inventions, and Medicine; Sports; Military; Culture and Religion.

Compiles information and interpretations on the past 500 years of African American history, containing essays on historical research aids, bibliographies, resources for womens' issues, and an accompanying CD-ROM providing bibliographical entries.