Black Manhood and Community Building in North Carolina, 1900–1930

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments Many individuals and institutions have made indelible imprints on this book, forwarding its interpretations, progression, and completion. Jacquelyn Hall expressed her faith in the project and its author at numerous junctures . Her careful reading of multiple drafts always disclosed an essential revelation that needed further exploration. She continues to be a model of scholarship and humanity and serves as a reminder of both the joys and challenges inherent in historical research and writing. For her encouragement and support, I thank Jerma Jackson, whose enthusiasm for the book and its tenets proved infectious when most needed. Reginald Hildebrand offered sound critique of embryonic chapters. Peter Filene’s expertise in gender and cultural history and JoelWilliamson’s solid repertoire in southern history and race relations also forwarded the narrative ’s analytical trajectory. I wish to extend thanks to the able staffs of several research libraries and institutions, including the North Carolina Collection and the Southern Historical Collection, both at the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill; Robinson-Spangler Public Library, Charlotte; Traci Thompson, reference librarian, Edgecombe County Memorial Library, Tarboro, for help with Masonic materials; Sheila Bumgardner, Charlotte Public Library ; Zoe Rhine of Asheville-Buncombe Public Library, Asheville, for assistance with Heritage of Black Highlanders literature; and Pat Rickman and Marilyn Schuster,Atkins Library, University of North CarolinaCharlotte . The book’s research aims were also advanced substantially by the Most Worshipful Marvin Chambers, who allowed unrestricted access to records chronicling North Carolina’s Prince Hall masons. Fellowships and grants supported travel and research expenses and allowed time for writing. The Erskine Peters Fellowship at the University of Notre Dame proved especially germane to the project’s development. Two critical chapters were drafted at this time. I owe a big thanks to Gail xiv Acknowledgments Bederman, who made extensive commentary on the work in progress and provided good humor and comraderie. I’m also thankful for suggestions and support offered by Hugh Page Jr. and Richard Pierce of Notre Dame’s Africana Studies Department. The University of Mississippi’s College of Liberal Arts provided summer funding that facilitated expanded research and revisions. The book has benefited from several commentators, readers, and conference participants who, collectively, honed my arguments, encouraged me to think more critically and expansively about themes raised, or suggested additional research avenues.They include Gail Bederman; Elsa Barkley Brown; Prudence Cumberbatch; Allison Dorsey; Bobby Donaldson; Gregory Mixon; Laurie Maffly-Kipp; Jacqueline Rouse; Alton Hornsby Jr.; Steve Estes; Sarah Thuesen; Kathryn Walbert; Katie Otis; Cristina Nelson; and Ken Zogry. The two anonymous readers for the press made very helpful comments and recommendations. I’m particularly grateful to University of Mississippi colleague Nancy Bercaw, who read the entire manuscript and provided novel, intricate ways to conceptualize the book’s key themes. I’m appreciative of the encouragement I have received from family, friends, and other loved ones. I owe an immense amount of gratitude to my parents, especially, for their support of my career ambitions. Finally, Edward Gutting’s deliberative critiques of the manuscript helped advance its arguments in creative and nuanced ways. His steadfast support of me in all things (historical and otherwise) has been unwavering. I owe him a debt of gratitude. ...