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ix Acknowledgments A book of this kind is not the product of one individual but, rather, a collective synthesis of the ideas, struggles, and conditions of a given historical moment. This modest work is nonetheless founded on three years of seemingly nonstop efforts, exploring source material from a variety of public archives , private collections, and published works. The use and availability of these resources is greatly appreciated, for without these academic assets, this book would lack a solid factual basis and this narrative could have never come to fruition. Beyond those three foundational years, the process from concept to various stages of peer-review editing to print production spanned approximately four years. Those responsible for the conduct of any study that is dependent on the involvement and participation of others quickly learn to appreciate the value of cooperation. As such, I would like to respectfully acknowledge a small community of meaningful people. Since the concept for this book originated in a graduate seminar at Temple University, I will begin here. My first deep gratitude must be extended to former graduate school dean Aquiles Iglesias for his generosity, encouragement, and unwavering confidence that I would complete sound scholarship that reflects the integrity and ingenuity of the Temple tradition. Because of Dean Iglesias’s support as well as administrative vision, I was the recipient of university scholarships, fellowships, and grants that allowed me to not only work full-time on what was then a dissertation but also be economically sustained over my five years at Temple University . Just as important, a select number of faculty members from Temple University have proven to be helpful throughout my graduate experience . Indeed, many made signal contributions to this manuscript, and I thank them for their advice and support. This reassuring group of scholars include Dr. Wilbert L. Jenkins, Dr. Herbert J. Ershkowitz, Dr. Teshale x • Acknowledgments Tibebu, and Dr. Jacqueline C. Tanaka. These scholars responded to each draft with the perfect balance of praise and constructive criticism. More important, their substantive interest in my intellectual and professional development was matched only by their collegial nature and infectious passion for historical inquiry. I also must add a special note of thanks to former dean of Ambler College and professor emeritus Dr. James W. Hilty. His ongoing insight, support, and generosity have enhanced the quality of this work, and he has taught me a great deal about mentorship. Other scholars who introduced an interdisciplinary approach to my research and saw the power and potential of this project include Dr. Gregory J. W. Urwin, Dr. William W. Cutler III, Dr. David Harrington Watt, and Dr. Arthur Schmidt. Whether directly or indirectly, these scholars have provided intellectual guidance and incisive criticisms that has benefited the content of my scholarship and the quality of my writing. Their examples of fact-checking, researching, writing, transcribing, and translating are reflected in this work. Others outside of academia, yet still within the Temple University community, who were either helpful with manuscript advancement or encouragement include Dean Margaret M. Pippet and Catherine Meaney, former supervisor of interlibrary loans. I also thank Coach John not only for our few personal conversations, but also a lifetime of lessons. Coach Chaney influenced me to become not only a better athlete but also, more important, a better human being. Aspects of the material appearing in these pages were also rehearsed in graduate courses in American history, so I am grateful to the handful of colleagues in these classes whose spirited queries sharpened the arguments and exposition that they encountered. Thus, aspects of this book are a conduit for the ideas of select students and scholars. I must point out, however, that the impetus for this study was born at Rutgers University while writing my senior thesis in 1999. As such, a handful of Rutgers professors either helped to engineer this study or supported my interests leading to this book. They include Dr. Rodney P. Carlisle, Dr. Edward Rice-Maximin, Dr. Allen Woll, Dr. Robert Fishman, Dr. Joan C. Wells, and Dr. Caren Addis. I am deeply grateful to these scholars for aiding my academic and professional growth while providing timely encouragement and advice. At my present home campuses, Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Montclair State University, I have to thank two departmental colleagues: Dr. Aldo Lauria Santiago and Dr. Tony Spanakos. Aldo and Tony have been amazingly generous and supportive from the beginning of my tenure at each respective university. More broadly, I must thank my peers at...

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