Black Indians: A Hidden Heritage [Paperback]

William Loren Katz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1997

The author explores the little-told story of black Indians, defined here as people with dual African and Native American ancestry or African Americans who lived primarily with Native Americans. Using fascinating biographies and detailed research, Katz creates a chronology of this hidden heritage during the settlement of the American West. Illustrations. Young Adult.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up Most Americans remain totally unaware of the biological and cultural bonds which were established by African slaves and American Indians. Using a variety of tertiary sources, Katz has attempted to reconstruct a legacy among two peoples who, for a while, provided mutual support and refuge from the unrelenting atrocities inflicted upon them by greedy whites. Although aspects of the separate histories are provided, a stronger emphasis is on black Indians whose swarthy complexion or curly hair was apparentan obvious limitation of definition. Black Indians who are more or less familiar (Crispus Attucks and Paul Cuffee) are identified, as are the unfamiliar Zeferina, a woman commander of a black Indian settlement, and O. S. Fox, editor of the Cherokee Afro-American Advocate . Katz makes it clear that much of this history is extremely well hidden or entirely lost, and numerous references are made to nameless black Indians. Because of the lack of information, too many statements are less than definitive. Another disturbing feature is Katz' practice of quoting without documenting his sources. Although incomplete, this highly readable and sad chronology of a hidden heritage is needed and welcomed. Helen E. Williams, University of Maryland, College Park
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (January 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689809018
• ISBN-13: 978-0689809019
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #244,232 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars What they don't teach in schools, April 6, 2004

By 

Paul Ammann (New Fairfield, CT United) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Black Indians: A Hidden Heritage (Paperback)

I first came across this book while visiting FoxWoods. It was the cover and topic that caught my eye.

The book was not written to be scholarly work. It was written to tell a part of history that is not taught in schools. I was impressed the author was about to pull together such an amount of information. I would think that there would be very little record written about African Americans and Native Indians nowadays.

Overall the book is a good introduction. More work needs to be done to expand this topic / genre.

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A subject matter that deserves more analysis!, July 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Black Indians: A Hidden Heritage (Hardcover)

William Loren Katz has created an excellent book dealing with one of the most misunderstood and least recognized subject matters in american history. His research has helped to shed light on how this relationship has helped to shape current day american culture and society. Little did I realize just how important the relationship between these two groups were. Both black and red peoples became allies in the struggle to gain freedom and equality while struggling to salvage traditional ways of living. I only hope that others will continue research into this most fascinating subject matter. Being a individual with both ancestry, I have been motivated to take an increased interest in conducting research into my own genealogy!

26 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm Proud of My History, August 29, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Black Indians: A Hidden Heritage (Paperback)

I came across this book by accident while placing an order at a bookstore. I had requested a book that could not be ordered but was informed of "Black Indians: A Hidden Heritage" as one to order. This book has answered many of my questions pertaining to the relationship of the Native and African-Americans. I've learned so much from reading this book what the schools never taught me. Therefore, I will make sure my childen, family, friends, and people whose path I briefly cross have the same opportunity to read and learn from this book as I have. I cannot express enough my appreciation for the author in writing this book for people like myself. I am more proud than ever of my Native and African-American heritage.