The Rising Son; or, the Antecedents and Advancement of the Colored Race

A sweeping survey of the African‑American experience, this work draws together the scattered fragments of a people’s past into a single, readable narrative. The author weaves together early histories, cultural customs, and the struggles for freedom, always striving for honesty while acknowledging the gaps in the record. His prose invites listeners to see the resilience and contributions of a race long denied its full story.

Rooted in the author’s own journey from enslaved child to educated activist, the book offers vivid sketches of notable figures—from the ancient kingdoms of Africa to the revolutionary leaders of Haiti. Interspersed with personal anecdotes, the early chapters trace his escape from a Mississippi steamboat and his subsequent work as a journalist and lecturer. Listeners will come away with a deeper appreciation of the foundations upon which today’s aspirations for equality are built.