Calvin Schermerhorn est un historien et professeur qui se consacre à la recherche sur les inégalités afro-américaines et l'esclavage aux États-Unis. Son travail s'efforce d'éclairer une histoire troublée, dans le contexte de laquelle il a grandi. Il explore comment l'esclavage a façonné la société américaine et comment son héritage perdure encore aujourd'hui. Les recherches de Schermerhorn offrent des perspectives cruciales sur l'interaction complexe entre la race, le pouvoir et les structures économiques à travers l'histoire américaine.
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.