Subject
African Americans -- New York (State) -- New York Books
Best books
Mary White Ovington
Half a Man: The Status of the Negro in New York
"Half a Man: The Status of the Negro in New York" by Mary White Ovington is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the social and economic conditions of African Americans in New York City, highlighting the persistent racism and obstacles they faced despite being emancipated. Ovington aims to debunk the misconception that Negroes have had equal opportunities, emphasizing their struggles in a society that often treated them as inferior. The opening of the work sets the tone for the exploration of the Negro's status, beginning with the author’s encounter with a young colored man, who encapsulates the sentiment of being "half a man" in America. It transitions into a historical analysis of the status of Negroes from the colonial era to the early 1900s, discussing their transitions from slavery to freedom. The author outlines significant events and societal attitudes that shaped the lives of African Americans in New York, laying the foundation for a deeper examination of their living conditions, labor market participation, and ongoing discrimination as the chapters unfold.
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Story of the Riot
"Story of the Riot" by Frank Moss is a historical account published in the early 20th century, specifically in the aftermath of race riots in New York City in 1900. The work provides a detailed investigation into the violent events that unfolded during the riots, focusing on the experiences of the African American community and the pervasive police brutality they faced during this tumultuous period. Through eyewitness accounts and affidavits, Moss paints a harrowing picture of the struggle for justice faced by the victims of these riots. The opening of "Story of the Riot" sets the stage by presenting an appeal addressed to New York's Mayor Robert A. Van Wyck, written by W. H. Brooks, which calls for an impartial investigation into the violent handling of the riots by police officers and roughs who targeted the city's Black residents. It details a specific incident involving a man named Arthur Harris, whose attempt to rescue his wife from an arrest led to a fatal encounter with an officer that sparked widespread violence against the Black community. Moss documents the subsequent mob violence and police complicity, citing numerous testimonies from victims of police brutality, demonstrating the harsh reality of racial tensions and state-sanctioned violence during this historical moment.
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