Hippocrene U.S.A. Guide to the Historic Black South. - book reviews

Black Enterprise, Oct, 1994 by Marjorie Whigham-Desir

African-Americans planning a trip "down South" this summer may enjoy perusing the Hippocrene U.S.A. Guide to Historic Black South. Not your typical travel guidebook, it focuses on traditional settings that are the cradle of black communities--churches and barber shops, colleges and museums, restaurants and nightspots. Authors James Haskins and Joanne Biondi document the contribution of African-Americans to Southern history by recognizing some of the places and faces comprising the "essence of black communities" in the South.

A short description and history of African-Americans in each locale preface each chapter. (For example, the authors point out that Washington, D.C., has always been a largely black city, as in 1800 when 80% of its population were slaves.) The sites deemed significant are listed by city along with an address, telephone number and visiting hours. Although most places described were founded or owned by African-Americans, several that weren't also are included because blacks played a role in their existence or survival.

The problem with such an ambitious undertaking is the thoroughness of its findings. However, this is a welcome addition to history, as it chronicles the life of a diverse, vibrant people heretofore left untold.