This week’s Book of the Week is a special partnership with Delaware Historical Society and continues our celebration of Black History Month!

“Forging Faith, Building Freedom
African American Faith Experiences in Delaware, 1800-1980”
– by Constance J. Cooper & Lewis V. Baldwin

You can view and/or download a PDF version of this book here.

SYNOPSIS:
Forging Faith, Building Freedom honors and celebrates the African American faith experience in Delaware and its contributions to the development of African American religion in the United States. Absalom Jones, Richard Allen, Peter Spencer, and Samuel Cornish were champions of religious liberty from Delaware who led in the creation of independent black churches in the United States in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s. Based on an exhibition at the Delaware Historical Society and developed in collaboration with the African American community, this book presents a rich and exciting collection of material that documents two centuries of diverse experiences as black Delawareans forged faith and built freedom.

In observance of Black History Month, The Delaware Heritage Commission is proud to present our Book of the Week:
African American Education in Delaware: A History Through Photographs 1865-1930 – by Dr. Bradley Skelcher.

You can view a PDF version of this book here.

SYNOPSIS:
At the beginning of the twentieth century, it became apparent that colored schools in Delaware were far from equal to their white counterparts and could not provide the same education to the children in their communities. Though it would take decades to improve the education system for Delaware’s African American community, the tireless efforts of activists, politicians, and concerned citizens made tremendous progress. This book examines the history of African American schools in the First State and the struggle for equality in education. It follows the lives of those who fought, not only to secure an education for their children but to secure hope for a brighter future for generations to come.

Find out more about the Delaware Heritage Commission here.