African Americans have been involved in business enterprises since the early eighteenth century and are increasingly distinguishing themselves as top players in corporate America. This user-friendly encyclopedia covers the time period from the colonial period to the present day and begins with an alphabetical entry list, a topical entry list, and a list of "African-American Business Leaders by Occupation." In the preface, editor Smith, a librarian and humanities professor, states that because of space limitations, "the reader should not expect to find every conceivable topic or an exhaustive list of biographies," but she does include a wide variety of topics, some of which will encourage further research and study. All entries are signed and conclude with a list of sources, both print and electronic.
In addition to biographies of individuals important to African American business, the more than 200 entries include specific industries and companies, and global/national groups, movements, or associations. Examples of entries are Barbecue establishments , Black fund managers , Economic boycotts and protests , and National Association of Black Women Entrepreneurs. Cross-references are used extensively to lead readers to more or related information. Illustrations, including tables, photographs, and documents, are used selectively to illustrate the breadth and depth of black enterprises, with some emphasis on historical images to show the early colorful background of African American businesses. The bibliography will facilitate further research.
This gem of a reference resource explores African American participation in the business world and conveys a sense of the reach and scope of black mainstream companies in the U.S. Public and academic business reference collections will want to purchase. Susan Awe
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"Some 250 entries, presented by Smith, provide information on the black business community and black business leaders in the United States from the beginning of the 18th century to the present. Entries include biographical information on such figures as Hank Aaron, Marcus Garvey, Booker Washington, and Oprah Winfrey, as well as a host of others whose fame is more circumscribed to the business world. The encyclopedia also presents many topical and thematic essays, ranging from profiles of black involvement in particular industries to descriptions of particular African American business-related organizations. Prior to their presentation, entries are listed in a variety of manners in order to aid the reader to locate particular topics."
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Reference & Research Book News
"Industrious reference-work editor Smith provides a historical overview of the black business community from the early 18th century to the present, with an emphasis on people and organizations that have influenced industry. Several vocations are highlighted, including finance, fashion, agriculture, and journalism. Smith's introductory bibliographic essay offers a background to the field of study and opportunities for further research. The more than 200 A-to-Z entries, among them National Association of Black Women Entrepreneurs, Oprah Winfrey, and retail industry, and cross-referenced and accompanied by bibliographies offering print and online resources. Many of the 50-plus contributors are librarians and educators. A general index is provided, along with a topical entry list and biographical entries by occupation."
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Library Journal
"With over 250 entries, this work provides an overview of the US black business community and leaders from the 18th century to the present. Edited by Smith, it comprises entries authored by librarians and archivists. In addition to the well-known individuals (e.g., Oprah Winfrey, Wally Famous Amos) one would expect, this volume includes architects, auto industry and music executives, bankers, beauty industry officials, civil rights activists, philanthropists, and more. It includes major historical overviews, e.g., Black Businesses in Large Cities: A History, Black Press: Newspapers in Major Cities, Blacks in Agriculture, and Faith-Based Entrepreneurship. Entries by topic and occupation are provided. The wide variety of topical coverage is evident in the titles of entries such as Barbecue Establishments, Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, Economic Boycotts and Protests, Roadside and Street Vending, and Shoe Shine Establishments. Selected essays include photographs, statistical tables, or charts. All provide a brief listing of resources for further reading. This work is well conceived and well executed. It will serve as an excellent introductory guide to African American business. Recommended. Academic and public libraries; all levels."
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Choice
"African Americans have been involved in business enterprises since the early eighteenth century and are increasingly distinguishing themselves as top players in corporate America. This user-friendly encyclopedia covers the time period from the colonial period to the present day and begins with an alphabetical entry list, a topical entry list, and a list of African-American Business Leaders by Occupation….This gem of a reference resource explores African American participation in the business world and conveys a sense of the reach and scope of black mainstream companies in the U.S. Public and academic business reference collections will want to purchase."
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Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin
"Like a census report, this encyclopedia provides wide and in-depth coverage of African-American businesses, both those currently in existence and those that existed historically….All of these contributions allow readers to be catapulted back to that era and give them an opportunity to experience what it was like for black business owners during those times. For those who have long searched for a comprehensive source on African-American business ownership, this is it."
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Multicultural Review
"[A] welcome resource for locating information on topics that may have had little coverage in other business reference sources….[t]his compact encyclopedia reflects the diversity of the African American community. This is not simply a who' who but a compilation of events, ideas developments and trends that have shaped the black American business experience….[c]an be enjoyed by the casual user and the researcher owing to the broad scope, readability and the interesting and entertaining choice of topics. The subjects and persons are well researched, and….[t]he contributors present the material in a clear, precise writing style and tone….[i]t is a very solid reference source that pulls together a good deal of related and fascinating information into one place and provides the researcher a valuable panoramic picture of the subject. It is current, easy to use and a solid contribution to business literature."
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Journal of Business & Finance Librarianship
