African Americans in Central Texas History: From Slavery to Civil Rights ed. by Bruce A. Glasrud and Deborah M. Liles (review)

The editors, Glasrud and Liles, have produced a remarkable and well-researched book that chronicles the struggles and accomplishments of the African Americans in Central Texas. The book makes an important contribution to the ethnographic and historical knowledge of blacks in an often overlooked region in Texas history. The volume is divided into three wellorganized sections arranged thematically and chronologically. The text consists of sixteen tightly focused chapters by prominent scholars in the field plus an introduction, selected bibliography, and index.

The chapters in the first section of the book cover several topics ranging from the agricultural setting and the "peculiar" workings of chattel slavery in Central Texas to the transition from slavery to freedom in the early post-Emancipation era. The section provides some highlights of African American migratory practices and the rise of black political power and African American participation in the criminal justice system as jurors. The chapters in the second section turn to the pursuit of freedom and the role of African Americans as wage earners and business entrepreneurs in occupations open to them such as cattle work and army service. This section also looks at the rise of freedom colonies and the "Waco Horror" which serves as a stark reminder of the brutality faced by blacks in Central Texas. The final section of chapters moves into the twentieth century with the civil rights movement, as well as the role of black leaders with support from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) making some strides for African Americans.

In sum, the main thrust of the book is that despite racial inequalities, blacks in Central Texas were "undeterred by whites' efforts to maintain their social and economic subordination" (2). Instead, African Americans turned to the courts to ensure their rights to vote. However, the struggle for freedom did not come easily and, despite continued racism, equality remains a goal for African Americans (15).

The narrative style is reader-friendly, and the chapters flow smoothly. Particularly useful are the maps and charts dispersed throughout the book. Images of key black figures and local leaders mentioned in the text would have been an added bonus and would greatly enhance the overall presentation of the book. Nevertheless, I recommend this book wholeheartedly and consider this text an essential read for those interested in the history of Texas and particularly African American history. It is useful to scholars and students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels and makes a significant contribution to several fields, including Black Studies, African American history, Ethnic Studies, American Studies, and US History. As such, African Americans in Central Texas is a fascinating book which adequately fulfills its promise.