Hundreds of published books present the lives and accomplishments of historical African Americans. Many of the figures undertook great efforts for the betterment of the people, themselves being immortalized for making positive change and for being the first, or simply the best, in their field. They were activists, politicians, athletes, musicians, artists, actors and innovators, whose historical narratives range from times of slavery up through modern day. Books feature women, men, children, young and old, from many walks of life. Individually and collectively, their stories illustrate the depth of character and determination to follow dreams and overcome prejudices.
Those whose stories are recounted today are the subjects of numerous books. For example, Frederick Douglas, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are portrayed in dozens of books with illustrations that bring their stories to life in vivid, visual form. These stories are told so that these individuals’ efforts will not be forgotten, and so that they will continue to serve as inspiration for positive self-image. The lives represented in children’s picture books often show the realities of the hardships experienced over the centuries. Others show the triumph of the human spirit and portray the accomplishments of people who come together in an effort to make this world a better place for all. Many more biographical sketches are waiting to be written.
