With dozens of historic prints and photographs, this documentary history is the first book about the U.S. Lifesaving Services only all-black crew. Spanning slavery times, the Civil War, Emancipation, Reconstruction and the Jim Crow era, Sink or Swim recalls this little-known chapter in American and North Carolinian history. Mixing adventure and social discord, the informative, action-packed narrative will enhance young readers understanding of coastal conditions and how slavery and other racial barriers affected African Americans lives. Readers witness violent storms, courageous rescues, tragic losses, and the lifesavers ultimate victory over prejudice. Their story is both powerful and empowering; in fact, it was said that Alex Haleys next project, had he lived, would have been to tell the Pea Island surfmens tale.
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Book Description
When ships were in trouble off the treacherous coast of North Carolinas Outer Banks, the courageous black lifesavers at Pea Island Station were first on the sceneand in the water. Through raging storms, pitch-black nights, and hurricanes, these surfmen performed amazing, death-defying rescues. For over seven decades, the intrepid crews battled fierce waves and racial prejudice. Ultimately, they received the recognition they richly deservedin 1996, more than a century after they broke the color barrier. Sink or Swim: African-American Lifesavers of the Outer Banks is the story of their heroism, their struggle, and their triumph.
Editorial Reviews
Review
"Carole Weatherford has written a powerful narrative...of courage and compassion...This bit of history, not located in other history books, is worth reading by youth and adults alike. All--regardless of ethnicity--would benefit from this story describing the struggles and heroic deeds of some African-American males who took pride in making their contribution to the development of America." -- Bertha Todd, Co-Chair of Wilmington's 1898 Centennial Foundation--a non-profit corporation established to
"Far too often, events in African-American history have been downplayed or simply ignored. It is important for ALL children to learn about these heroes. Kudos to Carole Boston Weatherford for bringing this piece of American history to the forefront." -- Toni Trent Parker, President, Black Books Galore!
"Sink or Swim is an excellent historical account...It filled a gap in my knowledge of the glorious achievements of my people that have been overlooked in the education of all Americans. This book is a MUST for individual reading lists and for libraries of North Carolina public school systems." -- Helena J. Lee, Director, Upperman African-American Cultural Center, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington
"Sink or Swim...is an eloquently written episode of African-American history, long overdue. It is a 'must-have'...Children and adults will find this book enlightening and fascinating." -- Margaret S. Rogers, Author/Historian/Playwright --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
"Far too often, events in African-American history have been downplayed or simply ignored. It is important for ALL children to learn about these heroes. Kudos to Carole Boston Weatherford for bringing this piece of American history to the forefront." -- Toni Trent Parker, President, Black Books Galore!
"Sink or Swim is an excellent historical account...It filled a gap in my knowledge of the glorious achievements of my people that have been overlooked in the education of all Americans. This book is a MUST for individual reading lists and for libraries of North Carolina public school systems." -- Helena J. Lee, Director, Upperman African-American Cultural Center, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington
"Sink or Swim...is an eloquently written episode of African-American history, long overdue. It is a 'must-have'...Children and adults will find this book enlightening and fascinating." -- Margaret S. Rogers, Author/Historian/Playwright --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From the Publisher
Sink or Swim is the premier book in a series focusing on the African-American experience in coastal North Carolina.
Intended for young people between the ages of nine and fourteen, Sink or Swim will be a valuable inspiration for children seeking positive black role models, as the Pea Island lifesavers shouldered great responsibility at a time when few African Americans held positions of authority. Mixing adventure and social discord, this informative, action-packed narrative will enhance young readers understanding of coastal conditions and how slavery and other racial barriers affected African Americans lives. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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