This history of black culture performed by a talented ensemble of eight voices is a listening treasure. Cleverly presented in 29 short episodes, the verse and soundscape elucidate a chronological account of events and people who played small and monumental roles in the history of black America—black astronauts, political leaders, business entrepreneurs. Listeners can enjoy the day-by-day entries or hear the evolving details that bring us to our first black president. The cast of Dion Graham, William Jackson Harper, Zainab Jah, January Lavoy, Robin Miles, Lizan Mitchell, Jonathan Earl Peck, and Carter Redwood give variety and energy to each piece. They bring out the engaging little-known details, historical facts, and accomplishments with clear-eyed honesty, curiosity, and often pride. Enjoy with the stunning illustrations of Shane W. Evans in the hardcover book, but the audio program easily stands alone for families or students to enjoy and delight in what they learn.

Starred Review "Each of the 28 entries in this excellent work, written to be used during Black History Month, highlights the achievements of an African American man or woman, or the details of a court decision or historical event, the effects of which are still felt today. Vibrant poetry begins many of the selections, followed by further information that provides a quick overview of the subjects’ significance. Highlighting individuals from Crispus Attucks to Barack Obama, this presentation offers a rich overview of African American history. The stellar cast of narrators—Dion Graham, William Jackson Harper, Zainab Jah, January LaVoy, Robin Miles, Lizan Mitchell, Jonathan Earl Peck, and Carter Woodson Redwood—use their vocal talents to bring the words to life. Rich, lyrical voices unite to proclaim freedom, rejoice in justice, and impart information, while occasional appropriate background music and sound effects enhance the production. Having each entry on a separate track makes this an easy tool for teachers to use. The material, however, is best appreciated while viewing Shane W. Evans’s bold, textured, mixed-media illustrations. Ah, but what about leap years? An open-ended 29th day is included, singing of hope for the future. VERDICT This is an exceptional production that merits a place in any library serving children."

This amalgam of facts, biographical snippets, poetry, court cases, and eulogies begins with an author’s note that underlines the primary intended audience: teachers. Elementary students whose classroom instructors provide additional and much needed contexts for each entry will reap ample rewards as well. The eight different narrators bring a wide variety of accents, approaches, and vocal styles to the audio production, underscoring the diversity of the achievements and events—from medical to political to scientific to entrepreneurial to athletic—that are included in this unashamedly adulatory effort. On occasion, the too-clever structures imposed on the information (such as the countdown in the entry for astronauts Guion Bluford and Mae Jemison) seem to leave the cast floundering for coherence and pace. But other times, such as the back-and-forth choral reading of the entry for Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe, the effect is as crisp as the tick-tock-tick of a tennis ball sailing back and forth over the net. Occasional sound effects and a nicely varied musical score add both a satisfying dimension and a sense of continuity to the performance as a whole.