Do you ever wonder how black people living as slaves described life in America? Herb Boyd, author and journalist, has been a professor of black studies for thirty years. Thus, he is uniquely qualified to distill from the reams of black thought that which might best stand as a fitting testament to African Americana. Editor Boyd has deftly woven the dark backstory to the glamorized myth on which the American Dream rests. The author establishes that blacks in America have never been that content underclass by and large depicted in this country's history books. He disputes the notion, central to American history, that Africans brought to America were docile, uncivilized, unintelligent and, thus, deserving of their lot. Culling from the words of those who did dare to speak out (often with disastrous consequences), Boyd has woven an eloquent, emotional tapestry of the black experience. Its power derives not from any self-conscious rage, but from the simplicity, the unguarded frankness of the voices. This is a timely book, sorely needed at a critical moment in this nation's history.

Twice I attempted to write this review of Herb Boyd's AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A PEOPLE, with it's" three centuries of African American history told by those who lived it"

but soon realized I should finish reading it first. His collections (of excerpt) is so powerful so revealing; and each one seem to flow into the next. like a chronological change of events.

I can see how it may be differcult for some to believe (and easier to deny) the suffering and sacrificing our ancestors endured, to make possible the freedom and well being we now enjoy. Surely it'll instill pride in we Americans of African descent and Americans of goodwill..

Myself, more so being the fact that I too, made a contribution. An excerpt was selected from my Korean war memoir, WHAT'S A COMMIE EVER DONE TO PEOPLE? (Publishes by McFarland Publishers Inc.). Sure, at the time, I was politically ignorant to the reasons I was there fighting, like many others black soldiers, then we were fighting for our lives, the fight for our freedom, we who survived, was to come on our return t o America.

Hopefully, my story, alone with the many others that appears in AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A PEOPLE will help enlighten other 17 & 18 year old American-American to the reality, that the freedom we now enjoy, others fought and died for it.

PS; In "AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A PEOPLE" includes my favorite hero, the adventurous, explorer, scientist and author, Mr. Matthew Henson, who's life story inspired me to be an adventurer.. DARK COMPANION. It was the first book I read. I was nine years old.

Again, My Sincere Thanks to you Brother; Herb Boyd your book is a magnificent collection of excerpts. And no doubt it'll serve as an inspiration to many.

Peace & Pleasant Writing Curtis J. Morrow

Conversations with Herb Boyd

While I attended New York University in the late 80's, I majored in 18th Century Literature and minored in African American history. Hands down, my biggest challenge was being able to keep up with my reading, and retain all that was required of me by my professors. If only Autobiography of a People Three Centuries of African American History Told By Those Who Lived It, Herb Boyd's newest book had existed years ago when I was a student in college.

As I am still a student of African American history, Boyd's book is right on time. Booksellers and African American history buffs who live in Manhattan received a royal treat on Saturday, February 5, 2000 if they tuned in to "Books That Matter" with Leroy Baylor and listened to Boyd talk about his newest success. "Books That Matter," a public access program promotes reading and literacy to a diverse readership and interviews new and well-established authors. Recent guests include: Tavis Smiley, Sapphire, Johnnie Cochran, and William Loren Katz. The show airs on alternate Saturdays in Manhattan on Channel 34 at 10:30 p.m., in Brooklyn on Channels 34 &67 at 10 p.m. every Friday evening and each Monday evening on Bronx Net at 10:30 p.m.

I found Baylor's interview with Boyd enjoyable, and several times I felt like I as a student again learning about the great history of my people. The wonderful rapport between Baylor and Boyd was immediate and a treat for the viewer. The book, which is a compendium of 118 powerful African American voices is quickly being heralded as a New Classic in African American Literature --a compliment it rightly deserves.

Down the Glory Road is a must read -- not only for African-Americans, but for all Americans. This comprehensive look at the grand history of Blacks in America reads more like a gripping page-turner than the thorough background it really is. Mr. Boyd makes the past come alive with his lively and often humorous writing. It is obvious that Mr. Boyd has done his homework in sharing this information (much of it never taught in schools) to the reading public. Excellent!

A very interesting and entertaining read through Miss Monroe's most memorable moments during her very brief life. Alphabetically indexed and illustrated with Marilyn's various movie stills and modeling photos you can actually imagine her speaking to the reader regarding the various topics that she encountered during her adolescence through her adult life. I found it an enjoyable and entertaining read. Well worth the price. This should be in every MM collector's library. It made a nice addition to my MM collection.

I'm currently reading other books on the Panthers, and I can say that Boyd's Black Panthers for Beginners is a pretty good introduction to the activist group. He seems to outline the history of the Party and the reasons for its popular appeal.

The book would be a very good gift/read for young students; however, I hope this book will lead readers to read primary sources and more extended works about the Panthers. For example, one should definitely follow up Boyd's "Beginners" with a reading of Huey P. Newton's memoir "Revolutionary Suicide" and other works by Panther members.

The only problem I had with this book is that the author didn't include enough about the "survival" programs of the Party which included the community schools and breakfast programs. Understandably it was important for Boyd to focus on Party's constant run in with the racist police force, but when you finish the book that part of the Party becomes the lasting impression you get of the Party. It almost seems like that history of the Party was little more than a history of police raids, informants, murder raps, court appearances, acquittals, and violence. While this reality existed, it's important that we understand the vision of the Party.

Lastly, I would hope this work inspires a definitive biography of the Black Panther Party. It needs to be written by someone who understands the vision of the Party but at the same time will work to describe the problems that ultimately bring the Party down.

All I can say is, this is one of the best ways to spend $10! If you are reading this review, you are interested. Buy this book at once! It is fabulous!

This is an excellent book on the black panthers. In fact, i have amassed more information on the BPP from this book than all of the panther books that i have read so far. Do not be fooled by the fact that this is a comic book, it contains nothing but pertinent information

Can't review because my third party order was never received. It's been over a month! I ordered a total of 4 books (3 were third party orders). I received all of them in a matter of days and was very pleased with the conditions of the books and the quality of the packaging the books were shipped in. However the
seller still has the same book up for sell! After reading some of the reviews and finding out that several others have not received their orders I'm wondering if we ordered from the same seller. I gave this book a rating of one star simply because I couldn't enter anything less plus you can't rate what you can't read! I'm sure the book is excellent and would love to read it and give it a proper review.

This is an excellent introduction to writings by Black men. A must-have for people of African descent. The writings consist of pictures, short stories, poems and novel excerpts; some writers included are Sterling Brown, Howard Thurman, Countee Cullen, Haki Madhubuti, Ishmael Reed, James Baldwin, Robert Hayden, Richard Wright, Frederick Douglas, Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. Dubois and many others

I first read this book as a required reading for my English class in college. I kept this book throughout the years as it reflected on the African-American man (and sometimes woman). The stories discuss history, our beginnings, love and heartache, the issue of race, death and life as we know it. I recommened this book to everyone who wants to understand themselves through the various stories, fiction and non fiction. The book is so simple to follow, you don't have to read the whole book, you can pick and chose stories to read.

Don't read it! Burn it! It sucks