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Black New Orleans, 1860-1880

Reissued for the first time in over thirty years, Black New Orleans explores the twenty-year period in which the city’s black population more than doubled. Meticulously researched and replete with archival illustrations from newspapers and rare periodicals, John W. Blassingame’s groundbreaking history offers a unique look at the economic and social life of black people in New Orleans during Reconstruction. Not a conventional political treatment, Blassingame’s history instead emphasizes the educational, religious, cultural, and economic activities of African Americans during the late nineteenth century.

“Blending historical and sociological perspectives, and drawing with skill and imagination upon a variety of sources, [Blassingame] offers fresh insights into an oft-studied period of Southern history. . . .  In both time and place the author has chosen an extraordinarily revealing vantage point from which to view his subject. ”—Neil R. McMillen, American Historical Review

319 pages | 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 | © 1976

Black Studies

History: American History

Table of Contents

Illustrations

Abbreviations

Preface

1. The Negro in Antebellum New Orleans: Background for Reconstruction

2. Fighting for Freedom

3. Land, Lahor, and Capital

4. Family Life

5. Schools, Colleges, and Intellectual Life

6. Social Life and Problems

7. Race Relations

Conclusions

Appendix

Notes

Bibliography

Index

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