In this Book

summary
Black Eden chronicles the history of Idlewild, a Michigan black community founded during the aftermath of the Civil War. As one of the nation’s most popular black resorts, Idlewild functioned as a gathering place for African Americans, and more importantly as a touchstone of black identity and culture. Benjamin C. Wilson and Lewis Walker examine Idlewild’s significance within a historical context, as well as the town’s revitalization efforts and the need for comprehensive planning in future development. In a segregated America, Idlewild became a place where black audiences could see rising black entertainers.
     Profusely illustrated with photos from the authors’ personal collections, Black Eden provides a lengthy discussion about the crucial role that Idlewild played in the careers of artists such as Louis Armstrong, B. B. King, Sammy Davis Jr., Jackie Wilson, Aretha Franklin, and Della Reese. Fundamentally, the book explores issues involved in living in a segregated society, the consequences of the civil rights movement, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent integration, and the consequences of integration vs. racial solidarity. The authors ask: Did integration kill Idlewild?, suggesting rather that other factors contributed to its decline.

Table of Contents

restricted access Download Full Book
  1. Cover
  2. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Title Page, Copyright Page
  2. pp. iii-iv
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Contents
  2. pp. v-vii
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Acknowledgments
  2. pp. ix-x
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Introduction
  2. pp. xi-xiii
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. 1: Establishing the Foundations of a Black Resort in Michigan
  2. pp. 1-28
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. 2: Continuation of a Good Deal
  2. pp. 29-46
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. 3: The Popular Place to Be
  2. pp. 47-67
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. 4: An Emergent Black Entertainment Showcase
  2. pp. 69-119
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. 5: Some Intended and Unintended Consequences in the Black Community During the Civil Rights Era
  2. pp. 121-148
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. 6: A Snapshot of Idlewild's Contemporary Social Status
  2. pp. 149-167
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. 7: Revitalization: 1960-2000 Activities
  2. pp. 169-193
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. 8: A Need for a Comprehensive Strategic Plan: Some Suggestions
  2. pp. 195-219
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. 9: An Epilogue for Idlewild
  2. pp. 221-237
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Appendices
  2. pp. 239-247
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Notes
  2. pp. 249-259
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Index
  2. pp. 261-268
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
Back To Top

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Without cookies your experience may not be seamless.