Erased: A History of Black Progress and White Backlash

Description of Erased: A History of Black Progress and White BacklashErased by Dr. Jonathan Wilson Jr. is a deeply researched and powerful historical account of Black communities and progress throughout American history-communities that were systematically destroyed, displaced, or erased by acts of white backlash. The book meticulously chronicles a series of racial massacres, violent displacements, and forgotten histories from 1857 to 1968, detailing the calculated efforts to suppress Black political and economic gains.Structured into five parts, Erased covers key historical moments, including:Part I: Deeds of Resentment (1857-1876) - The destruction of Black communities during Reconstruction, including the Colfax Massacre, Seneca Village's removal for Central Park, and the New Orleans Massacre.Part II: The Death of Reconstruction (1898-1912) - White supremacist coups and racial terror, including the Wilmington Insurrection and the forced removal of Black residents from Oscarville, Georgia (now Lake Lanier).Part III: The Red Summer and Its Echoes (1917-1926) - Mob violence against Black economic districts, such as the Tulsa Race Massacre and the destruction of Black communities like Rosewood and Ocoee.Part IV: World War and the Fight for Equality (1943-1951) - Urban racial violence, discriminatory policies, and systemic displacement, including the Detroit Race Riot and the flooding of Vanport, Oregon.Part V: Modern Struggles (1965-1968) - Civil rights-era violence, including the Watts Uprising and the Orangeburg Massacre.Dr. Wilson provides a compelling and necessary narrative that connects these historical erasures to contemporary racial disparities in wealth, housing, and education. By confronting these often-overlooked histories, Erased challenges readers to acknowledge and address the systemic racism embedded in America's past and present.This book is a must-read for those interested in Black history, racial justice, and historical truth-telling. It is both a remembrance and a call to action, ensuring that these erased histories are not forgotten. Read more