How did the experience of Black Americans evolve from the origins of the transatlantic slave trade through the mid-20th century civil rights movement? Lerone Bennett Jr., a long-time editor at Ebony magazine, utilizes his extensive background in journalism and historical research to construct a comprehensive narrative of the Black experience in America. The book synthesizes primary historical accounts and scholarly analysis to frame the struggle for freedom as a central component of the American national identity.

Experts and historians frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the trajectory of African American history. Readers often note the accessible, narrative-driven prose that makes complex historical developments clear for a general audience.