Book Description

“An important snapshot of life for black Americans at the beginning of the twentieth century” from the editor of The Illustrated Souls of Black Folk (Booklist). “The problem of the Twentieth Century is the problem of the color-line.” This quote is among the most prophetic in American history. It was written by W. E. B. DuBois for the Exhibition of American Negroes displayed at the 1900 Paris Exposition. They are words whose force echoed throughout the Twentieth Century. W. E. B. DuBois put together a groundbreaking exhibit about African Americans for the 1900 World’s Fair in Paris. For the first time, this book takes readers through the exhibit. With more than 200 black-and-white images throughout, this book explores the diverse lives of African Americans at the turn of the century, from challenges to accomplishments. DuBois confronted stereotypes in many ways in the exhibit, and he provided irrefutable evidence of how African Americans had been systematically discriminated against. Though it was only on display for a few brief months, the award-winning Exhibit of American Negroes represents the great lost archive of African American culture from the beginning of the twentieth century. “Those concerned with African American history will benefit from this work and may wish to also consult Provenzo’s The Illustrated Souls of Black Folk (2004) for a companion read. Summing Up: Recommended.” —Choice Reviews “Ten years before he founded the NAACP, W. E. B. DuBois used his role in the Exhibition to begin the long, fruitful process of achieving equality.” —Benjamin Todd Jealous, president and CEO of the NAACP