Encyclopedia of African American Business History - by Juliet Walker (Hardcover)

About the Book

Black business activity has been sustained in America for almost four centuries. From the marketing and trading activities of African slaves in Colonial America to the rise of 20th-century black corporate America, African American participation in self-employed economic activities has been a persistent theme in the black experience. Yet, unlike other topics in African American history, the study of black business has been limited. General reference sources on the black experience--with their emphasis on social, cultural, and political life--provide little information on topics related to the history of black business. This invaluable encyclopedia is the only reference source providing information on the broad range of topics that illuminate black business history.

Providing readily accessible information on the black business experience, the encyclopedia provides an overview of black business activities, and underscores the existence of a historic tradition of black American business participation. Entries range from biographies of black business people to overview surveys of business activities from the 1600s to the 1990s, including slave and free black business activities and the Black Wallstreet to coverage of black women's business activities, and discussions of such African American specific industries as catering, funeral enterprises, insurance, and hair care and cosmetic products. Also, there are entries on blacks in the automotive parts industry, black investment banks, black companies listed on the stock market, blacks and corporate America, civil rights and black business, and black athletes and business activities.

Book Synopsis

Black business activity has been sustained in America for almost four centuries. From the marketing and trading activities of African slaves in Colonial America to the rise of 20th-century black corporate America, African American participation in self-employed economic activities has been a persistent theme in the black experience. Yet, unlike other topics in African American history, the study of black business has been limited. General reference sources on the black experience--with their emphasis on social, cultural, and political life--provide little information on topics related to the history of black business. This invaluable encyclopedia is the only reference source providing information on the broad range of topics that illuminate black business history.

Providing readily accessible information on the black business experience, the encyclopedia provides an overview of black business activities, and underscores the existence of a historic tradition of black American business participation. Entries range from biographies of black business people to overview surveys of business activities from the 1600s to the 1990s, including slave and free black business activities and the Black Wallstreet to coverage of black women's business activities, and discussions of such African American specific industries as catering, funeral enterprises, insurance, and hair care and cosmetic products. Also, there are entries on blacks in the automotive parts industry, black investment banks, black companies listed on the stock market, blacks and corporate America, civil rights and black business, and black athletes and business activities.

Review Quotes

.,."the Encyclopedia of African American Business History could represent a literal treasure trove for graduate students seeking disertation topics (as well as for established scholars seeking to diversify their research and publications). It has become almost a cliche to state that a book deserves both wide readership and to be on as many library shelves as possible. Nevertheless, in the case of Encyclopedia of African American Business History, such an assertion is entirely warranted."-Enterprise & Society

?...the Encyclopedia of African American Business History could represent a literal treasure trove for graduate students seeking disertation topics (as well as for established scholars seeking to diversify their research and publications). It has become almost a cliche to state that a book deserves both wide readership and to be on as many library shelves as possible. Nevertheless, in the case of Encyclopedia of African American Business History, such an assertion is entirely warranted.?-Enterprise & Society

?A fine ready-reference source, this work culls a vast amount of material covering an eclectic range of subjects....An outstanding reference source on the various aspects of the history of African American business.?-American Reference Books Annual

?This resource's focus on business makes it unique. Recommended for academic libraries as well as large public libraries.?-Reference Books Bulletin

?Walker culled from many diverse sources this admirable and comprehensive encyclopedia of more than 200 signed entries dealing with the African American experience, 1600s-1990s....Recommended without reservation as a first purchase for most libraries.?-Choice Review

"A fine ready-reference source, this work culls a vast amount of material covering an eclectic range of subjects....An outstanding reference source on the various aspects of the history of African American business."-American Reference Books Annual

"This resource's focus on business makes it unique. Recommended for academic libraries as well as large public libraries."-Reference Books Bulletin

"Walker culled from many diverse sources this admirable and comprehensive encyclopedia of more than 200 signed entries dealing with the African American experience, 1600s-1990s....Recommended without reservation as a first purchase for most libraries."-Choice Review

..."the Encyclopedia of African American Business History could represent a literal treasure trove for graduate students seeking disertation topics (as well as for established scholars seeking to diversify their research and publications). It has become almost a cliche to state that a book deserves both wide readership and to be on as many library shelves as possible. Nevertheless, in the case of Encyclopedia of African American Business History, such an assertion is entirely warranted."-Enterprise & Society

About the Author

JULIET E. K. WALKER is Professor of History at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is the author or editor of four books, including The History of Black Business in America: Capitalism, Race, Entrepreneurship (1998) and Free Frank: A Black Pioneer on the Antebellum Frontier (1983).