The nineteenth-century American Colonization Society (ACS) project of persuading all American free blacks to emigrate to the ACS colony of Liberia could never be accomplished. Few free blacks volunteered; and greater numbers would have overwhelmed the meager resources of the ACS. Given that reality; who supported African colonization and why? No state was more involved with the project than Virginia; where white Virginians provided much of the political and organizational leadership and black Virginians provided a majority of the emigrants.In An African Republic; Marie Tyler-McGraw traces the parallel but seldom intersecting tracks of black and white Virginians' interests in African colonization; from revolutionary-era efforts at emancipation legislation to African American churches' concern for African missions. In Virginia; African colonization attracted aging revolutionaries; republican mothers and their daughters; bondpersons schooled and emancipated for Liberia; evangelical planters and merchants; urban free blacks; opportunistic politicians; Quakers; and gentlemen novelists. An African Republic follows the experiences of the emigrants from Virginia to Liberia; where some became the leadership class; consciously seeking to demonstrate black abilities; while others found greater hardship and early death. Tyler-McGraw carefully examines the tensions between racial identities; domestic visions; and republican citizenship in Virginia and Liberia.
#1371149 in Books 2014-12-08 2014-12-08Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x .31 x 6.50l; .0 #File Name: 1467112550128 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. It was great to see thisBy jim cassaMy father was the man on the far left. The man next to him was my mothers uncle. When I was little; the family would go to this island which was close to downtown Detroit and across from Windsor in Canada. I used play in that fountain.It was great to see this. Thak you very much. Jim Cassa2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. I highly recommend "Chaldeans in Detroit"!By MayorJerryMy compliments to author Jacob Bacall for this very interesting book; Chaldeans in Detroit. I not only received an autographed copy for myself; but I purchased more than 24 copies from the author and distributed them as gifts to my Chaldean friends. There is a rich history for the Chaldean people; especially in this area for which I have served as Mayor for 20 years. I congratulate Jacob and the leaders of the community for the valuable part they played; and continue to play. An outstanding book; Jacob! Well-done. I highly recommend it for fans of Arcadia's "Images of" series; not just the Chaldean community. Jerry1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Must Read for all Chaldeans and those who want to learn more about modern day Chaldeans.By D. HalabuThis is an amazing book written by my friend Jacob Bacall. His presentation about our Chaldean culture as it exists today not only in SE Michigan; but as Chaldean Americans is spot on. He takes a very complicated history of an ancient people and presents it to a place where all can understand and feel the uphill climb our people constantly faced for generations both in Iraq and in Detroit. I forced my kids to read it; and they both had a much better understanding of what is meant to be Chaldean in Detroit.From our parents being un-accepted in their native land in Iraq; to the struggles of generations of Chaldeans who came to SE Michigan ;to us modern day 2nd generation Chaldeans who continue to be proud of our Chaldean heritage; but also have assimilated with the American way of life to become doctors; lawyers; businessmen; and more importantly a fabric of the community of Detroit; a city itself that is known for its grit and underdog mentality.Jacob has done a masterful job of describing all of this with many photos ; facts; and anecdotes from pioneers in our community. I know this was more than just writing a book for Jacob; but a part of his legacy he wanted to leave to not only younger generations but to all to better understand our people both in the present and past. I thank you Jacob Bacall and all the other trailblazers in our community ; as our generation (those born after 1970) never truly knew what it took for our parents and those like them who gave up everything to come to this wonderful country for their future generations; Thankfully; these pioneers managed to keep many of the customs and traditions (like family; foods; and work ethic) that we need to hold the torch for our future generation and this book only documents all of it.If you'd like to learn more about modern day Chaldeans this book is a must read for you and your family.Thanks Again Jacob
