An Autobiography of Black Chicago
A personal journey through Chicago's African-American history
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Agate Publishing
Published:27th Feb '14
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Dempsey Travis offers a rich narrative in An Autobiography of Black Chicago, detailing the African-American experience in 20th-century Chicago through personal stories and historical context.
Few individuals are as well-equipped as Dempsey Travis to chronicle the history of African Americans in Chicago. His unique access to firsthand accounts and personal experiences enriches the narrative in a way that few others could replicate. This seminal paperback reissue of An Autobiography of Black Chicago takes readers on a journey through the African-American community in Chicago, as seen through the eyes of Travis, his family, and his close associates.
The book begins with the story of John Baptiste Point du Sable, the first non-Native American settler at the mouth of the Chicago River, setting the stage for the exploration of the rich tapestry of African-American life in the city. As it unfolds, An Autobiography of Black Chicago chronicles significant milestones, including Travis's own contributions to the civil rights movement, such as leading the city’s NAACP chapter and organizing Martin Luther King Jr.'s inaugural march in Chicago.
Through a blend of personal anecdotes and historical context, the narrative provides an intimate yet comprehensive history of African Americans in 20th-century Chicago. Travis's work not only highlights the struggles faced by the community but also celebrates their resilience and achievements, making it an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Chicago's African-American history.
PRAISE FOR DEMPSEY TRAVIS AND HIS BOOKS: "His writing style is a refreshing departure from the trite and commonplace. [An Autobiography of Black Chicago] tells a great deal about the anatomy of a city that probably has never been adequately presented before...His biographical writing shows signs of literary brilliance and profound perception." --Rolf A. Weil, former president, Roosevelt University "Mr. Travis was a Horatio Alger, lift-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps figure who wielded his influence as a liaison between the business community and the political sphere to fight for social justice." --Chicago Tribune "An invaluable contribution to the written, folk, and oral history of African Americans in Chicago. [An Autobiography of Black Chicago] is 'must' reading." --Margaret Burroughs, Ph.D., Co-Founder, DuSable Museum of African American History "Travis brings real skill to the writing of [An Autobiography of Black Chicago]. His prose is lively and witty his historical understanding is deep and well grounded in fact...this is a fascinating book." --William M. Tuttle, Jr., Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, American Studies, University of Kansas "Those wishing to understand power, authority, and leadership in Chicago will find [An Autobiography of Black Chicago] an excellent source book...Interestingly written study of Chicago, not just black Chicago." --Robert L. Stuhr, Ph.D., former executive director, Economic Club of Chicago "I was genuinely touched by this impassioned and informative history of a field in which I have spent my whole life. It is full of information, many tears, and much laughter. Dempsey Travis's story is human jazz history in the raw, a fascinating social document which I found enriching and rewarding and I recommend it wholeheartedly." --George Wein, Founder and Producer, Newport Jazz Festival "Those who knew Dempsey Travis say there's not much he did not do as a husband, real-estate investor, author, philanthropist, civil rights activist and entrepreneur." --Wendell Huston, Chicago Defender
ISBN: 9781932841671
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 326g
400 pages