one of those books that sucks you in whether or not you are familiar with these figures throughout it and such an engaging book that many people should read since it discusses such important subjects of american history and politics!

Zamalin offers us an academic's viewpoint into the lives of five African Americans who inspired others and effected change. He focuses on two abolitionists: David Walker and Frederick Douglass; activist Ida B. Wells; founder of the Black Panther Party Huey Newton; and Angela Davis. Within the pages of this tome the author links their struggles and their causes--all are abolitionists in their own ways.

Whether or not you are familiar with these figures, this is an engaging book that many people should read.