W.E.B. DuBois immortalized Philadelphia's Black Seventh Ward neighborhood; one of America's oldest urban black communities; in his 1899 sociological study The Philadelphia Negro. In the century after DuBois's study; however; the district has been transformed into a largely white upper middle class neighborhood.Black Citymakers revisits the Black Seventh Ward; documenting a century of banking and tenement collapses; housing activism; black-led anti-urban renewal mobilization; and post-Civil Rights political change from the perspective of the Black Seventh Warders. Drawing on historical; political; and sociological research; Marcus Hunter argues that black Philadelphians were by no means mere casualties of the large scale social and political changes that altered urban dynamics across the nation after World War II. Instead; Hunter shows that black Americans framed their own understandings of urban social change; forging dynamic inter- and intra-racial alliances that allowed them to shape their own migration from the old Black Seventh Ward to emergent black urban enclaves throughout Philadelphia. These Philadelphians were not victims forced from their homes - they were citymakers and agents of urban change.Black Citymakers explores a century of socioeconomic; cultural; and political history in the Black Seventh Ward; creating a new understanding of the political agency of black residents; leaders and activists in twentieth century urban change.
#1679524 in Books Mark David Hall 2015-01-01 2015-01-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.10 x .70 x 9.10l; .78 #File Name: 0190218703240 pagesRoger Sherman and the Creation of the American Republic
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Inconclusive EvidenceBy VA DuckProfessor Mark David Hall offers a look at one of the most important of the least known Founders and Framers of the Constitution. The author's approach is NOT biographic (by his own assertion; loc. 230) but rather a careful examination of the influence of Sherman's religion (New Light Congregational) on his political acts. Roger Sherman's resumé is one of the most impressive of the founders. He was the ONLY Founder to sign all four of the Great State Papers of the United States (Continental Association; 1774; Declaration of Independence; 1776; Articles of Confederation; 1777; U.S. Constitution; 1787). He addressed the Constitutional Convention more times (138) than any but three of the other Delegates (Gouverneur Morris James Wilson of PA and James Madison of VA) and served on five of its committees; an honor equalled only by Hugh Williamson of NC and exceeded only by Rufus King (6) of MA.Professor Hall's work impressively examines Sherman's religion and its influence on him. The book also explores Sherman's political contributions. Where the book falls short (for this reader at least) is the promised connection; i.e. a clear illustration of HOW (and where) Mr. Sherman's particular brand of religious belief made its way into the Founding Documents. For the purpose of the author's thesis; one could (carefully) stipulate that religion influenced the Founders; or even influenced the drafting of the Great Papers. Notably; Professor Hall's book promised much more: "In this book I contend that the political ideas of many leaders in the founding era are best understood in light of a long tradition of CALVINIST reflection on politics" - but in the end; concludes without living up to the contention. Professor Hall may have set the bar higher than the particulars of Calvinism could support. Separating Calvinist tenants from Diest; or Episcopal; or even Catholic (heaven help us) as they relate to Mr. Sherman's contribution to the Founding Documents proves to be a muddled and unsatisfying distillation; e.g.; "Sherman like many of his New England colleagues; was simultaneously an advocate of democracy; state's rights and a stronger national government." (loc. 1435). Or; "Sherman and his Reformed colleagues were part of a tradition that had long held that individuals possess natural rights; that governments should be based on the consent of the people; that civil authority should be limited; and that people have a right to overthrow tyrannical regimes." (loc.1249). But so too did Madison; Jefferson; Pinckney; Carroll; Mason; etc. and no Calvinists; they!The book is worth the read; but recommended to those who's interest in Sherman may be from the religious perspective rather than traditionally biographic. The book can also be appreciated as a rare and welcome offering outside the historical "litany" of: Washington; Adams; Jefferson; Madison and Franklin; and THAT is worth congratulations to the author. Professor Hall takes the time to frequently inform the reader of his intention for the book; or chapter; or section; so there is little reason to miss the objectives intended. Frequently; however; the conclusions come off as incomplete; forced; or obscure. In the end you will be better off for the read having learned more of a very important founder; but you may need a more generous perception of accountability; than this reader; to be convinced of Professor Hall's contention. While that assessment is arguable; Professor Hall does convince his readership of Mr. Sherman's deserved importance and undeserved neglect as a one of the Great Founders.-----kindle edition-----A well done e-book containing the proper links to chapters and citations. There is a well populated notes section; an appendix and an index. The index contains page numbers (from its paper book siblings) but is unlinked; easily overcome by the kindle's "highlight-search book" function; which replicates index functionality. There is one illustration - a stilted painting of Sherman by the ungifted portraitist Ralph Earl. The text-to-speech is enabled; but there are no page numbers; the electronic functional equivalent only... the lame "location". No text errors; but William Pierce is confused as "Franklin" Pierce at location 120. e-book publication quality for Publisher Oxford University Press ★★★★☆; good job.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. he was my Great; GreatBy R. JonesOutstanding! Also; he was my Great; Great; Great Grandfather!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Who will be the Sherman of the 21st century?By AlthusiusWe need a new army of black robed lovers of liberty to reignite the great themes of federalist/covenant ideas that founded our republic.
