My N.C. from A to Z Companion Guide: G-H

Although he was one of the most important African American political leaders during the last decade of the nineteenth century, George Henry White has been one of the least remembered. A North Carolina representative from 1897 to 1901, White was the last man of his race to serve in the Congress during the post-Reconstruction period, and his departure left a void that would go unfilled for nearly thirty years. At once the most acclaimed and reviled symbol of the freed slaves whose cause he heralded, White remains today largely a footnote to history. In this exhaustively researched biography, Benjamin R. Justesen rescues from obscurity the fascinating story of this compelling figure's life and accomplishments. The mixed-race son of a free turpentine farmer, White became a teacher, lawyer, and prosecutor in rural North Carolina. From these modest beginnings he rose in 1896 to become the only black member of the House of Representatives and perhaps the most nationally visible African American politician of his time. White was outspoken in his challenge to racial injustice, but, as Justesen shows, he was no militant racial extremist as antagonistic white democrats charged. His plea was always for simple justice in a nation whose democratic principles he passionately loved. A conservative by philosophy, he was a dedicated Republican to the end. After he retired from Congress, he remained active in the fight against racial discrimination, working with national leaderas of both races, from Booker T. Washington to the founders of the NAACP. Through judicious use of public documents, White's speeches, newspapers, letters, and secondary sources, Justesen creates an authoritative and balanced portrait of this complex man and proves him to be a much more effective leader than previously believed.

In His Own Words: The Writings, Speeches, and Letters of George Henry Whiteoffers a comprehensive view of the career of an African American political pioneer. The first African American to serve in the U.S. Congress in the twentieth century, George Henry White was also a renowned American orator and public servant for nearly four decades. Editor Benjamin Justesen, author ofGeorge Henry White: An Even Chance in the Race of Life (2001) the first full-length biography of White compiled this exhaustive supplementary collection. Known best for his 1901 farewell speech to Congress, White's varied career extended far beyond the U.S. Capitol, including a powerful role as an early civil rights leader. Beginning as a North Carolina lawyer, Republican legislator, and school principal and ending as a Philadelphia banker and assistant city solicitor, he personally touched the lives of thousands with words and deeds. White also set a rare example of selfless racial leadership during a troubled period by founding Whitesboro, the experimental New Jersey colony which still bears his name. Letters, speeches, and other documents highlight White's eloquent thoughts on key issues of the day, such as: the epidemic of lynching Southern disfranchisement of African American voters the dismissal of African American soldiers after the Brownsville, Texas, incident the most effective political philosophy for African Americans. In His Own Words offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a true American hero, as well as a compact, useful tool for scholars of the post-Reconstruction era of American history.

Belles of liberty: gender, Bennett College, and the civil rights movement in Greensboro, North Carolina

Intent on "making a difference," thousands of young women have passed through the Bearden Gates at Bennett College for Women. This book contains memoirs of over 140 women which reflect this country's history from the post Civil War era when Bennett was organized in 1873, through several subsequent wars, the Great Depression, the Civil Rights Movement, the rise in technology, and the breaking of the glass ceilings of race and gender. Tell Me Why Dear Bennett will appeal to readers interested in "her-story" as women from the oldest Belle at 106 to the youngest at eighteen share their fascinating memoirs. Perhaps this book will inspire others to tell their unique stories as well.

One of the hardest-fought victories during the Civil War, the emancipation of slaves proved only to be an initial step for American blacks to enjoy this country's prized freedom. Enduring Reconstruction-era governments, Jim Crow laws, and unimaginable intimidation from bigoted groups, Southern blacks persevered through many incredible obstacles and established successful communities, schools, and businesses against tremendous odds. One such success story is Winston-Salem State University, a school with humble beginnings but a vision for education that has endured and flourished. Founded by Simon Green Atkins in 1892, the Slater Industrial School was intended to provide educational opportunities for the children of Columbian Heights, and over the years, the school expanded and evolved into a state normal school and teacher training center, becoming the first historically black college in the nation to grant degrees for teaching in the elementary grades. Possessing a rich and unique heritage, Winston-Salem State University has grown from a modest one-room schoolhouse into a premier liberal arts college. Containing over 200 black-and-white photographs, this visual retrospective celebrates the history and traditions of Winston-Salem State, highlighting the social, academic, athletic, and administrative activities of the university through the years.