History of Racism

This work consists of a collection of readings from leading thinkers about the history of racism in the United States. The anthology centers on a provocative subject that requires readers to closely example a troubling chapter in the book of America's past. The main question addressed is whether racism directed towards African Americans, and other marginalized racial groups, can be understood through individual, cultural, and institutional dimensions. History of Racism is a great teaching tool because it draws from multidisciplinary sources to promote understanding about the meaning and significance of the history of racism.

The reader is divided into three parts:

1. Key terms and concepts in the study of racism — this section gives foundational knowledge to students, as the readings define race and relates those definitions to concepts of racial superiority.
2. Specific ways racism becomes manifest — the readings in this section provide concrete historical examples about the history of racism from the perspective of individuals, cultures, and institutions.
3. Strategies to combat racism — this section elucidates solutions as the readings examine individual, group, organization, and social movement strategies to address racism.

Lezlee Hinesmon-Matthews, Ph.D. , is Assistant Professor of Afro-Ethnic Studies at California State University, Fullerton. She is the author of Faith-Based Versus Secular Approaches to Community Development: The Case of the African American Community in Los Angeles and she is a contributor to the Encyclopedia of African American History. Her work has been supported by generous funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. She teaches a History of Racism course at California State University, Fullerton and organizes workshops on anti-racism curriculum development.