Calvin Schermerhorn is een historicus en professor die zich toelegt op onderzoek naar Afro-Amerikaanse ongelijkheid en slavernij in de VS. Zijn werk tracht een bewogen geschiedenis te belichten, in wiens omgeving hij opgroeide. Hij onderzoekt hoe slavernij de Amerikaanse samenleving heeft gevormd en hoe de erfenis ervan tot op de dag van vandaag voortduurt. Schermerhorns onderzoek biedt cruciale inzichten in het complexe samenspel van ras, macht en economische structuren door de Amerikaanse geschiedenis heen.
Exploring the racial wealth gap in America, this book narrates the experiences of six Black families across generations. It highlights their challenges and resilience in the pursuit of financial stability and prosperity, providing a personal lens on the broader socio-economic issues that have shaped their lives. Through these compelling stories, the book delves into themes of systemic inequality, perseverance, and the enduring impact of history on wealth accumulation.
Written as an introduction for undergraduate students, Unrequited Toil explores the history of American slavery from the American Revolution to post- Civil War Reconstruction. Personal narratives are used across twelve chronologically ordered chapters to explore themes such as politics, economics, labor, literature, rebellion, and social conditions.
Slavery in the Antebellum Upper South
The narrative highlights the resilience of enslaved individuals who prioritized family bonds over financial gain. Rather than seeking wealth, their efforts were concentrated on protecting their loved ones from the brutal realities of the slave trade, emphasizing the deep connections and struggles within their communities.