About the Author

Mary Penick Motley was born and raised in Detroit and is contemporary of the men whose oral histories she recorded. Mrs. Motley attended the University of Michigan for two years until severe illness forced her withdrawal. She maintains an active interest in American history, music--particularly opera--and young people. Her Africa: Its Empires, Nations and People, a book for young adults, was published by Wayne State University Press in 1969.

Reviews

A fascinating collection . . . The book will interest general readers besides taking its place as a valuable reference tool.-- "Publishers Weekly"

The cumulative effect of these interviews is staggering . . . A carefully edited, unique contribution to our understanding of the black experience in America.-- "The Library Journal"