Prejudential

Black America and the Presidents

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Pub Date 04 Feb 2020 | Archive Date 01 Jan 2020
Steerforth Press | Steerforth Press / Truth to Power

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Description

“This book is an effort to shed light on the truth. . . . To the extent that our leaders embody aspects of who we are as a people, studying how each president has participated in our nation’s complicated and often shameful treatment of Black people is as good a place as any to start.”  — Margaret Kimberley from the Preface

"Margaret Kimberley gives us an intellectual gem of prophetic fire about all the U.S. presidents and their deep roots in the vicious legacy of white supremacy and predatory capitalism. Such truths seem more than most Americans can bear, though we ignore her words at our own peril!" — Cornel West, author of Race Matters

PREJUDENTIAL is a concise, authoritative exploration of America’s relationship with race and Black Americans through the lens of the presidents who have been elected to represent all of its people. 
Throughout the history of the United States, numerous presidents have left their legacies as slaveholders, bigots, and inciters of racial violence, but were the ones generally regarded as more sympathetic to the plight and interests of Black Americans—such as Lincoln, FDR, and Clinton—really much better? And what of all the presidents whose relationship with Black America is not even considered in the pages of most history books? Over the course of 45 chapters—one for each president—Margaret Kimberley enlightens and informs readers about the attitudes and actions of the highest elected official in the country. By casting sunlight on an aspect of American history that is largely overlooked, Prejudential aims to increase awareness in a manner that will facilitate discussion and understanding.
“This book is an effort to shed light on the truth. . . . To the extent that our leaders embody aspects of who we are as a people, studying how each president has participated in our nation’s...

Advance Praise

"Margaret Kimberley gives us an intellectual gem of prophetic fire about all the U.S. presidents and their deep roots in the vicious legacy of white supremacy and predatory capitalism. Such truths seem more than most Americans can bear, though we ignore her words at our own peril!" -- Cornel West, author of Race Matters

"Margaret Kimberley gives us an intellectual gem of prophetic fire about all the U.S. presidents and their deep roots in the vicious legacy of white supremacy and predatory capitalism. Such truths...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781586422486
PRICE $14.95 (USD)
PAGES 208

Average rating from 5 members


Featured Reviews

Although not American I have read a number of books recently on African American history covering such subjects as the Civil Rights movement, FDR's Black Cabinet and the 1898 white supremacist insurrection at Wilmington. One common theme is the hostility or at best indifference displayed by the federal government and the supine and spineless actions of the sitting presidents, always fearful of the electoral consequences of upsetting the racist south. Therefore Margaret Kimberley's concise, impassioned but also shamefully accurate account of the legacy of the 45 presidents to race equality and social justice did not particularly come as much of a surprise. Although for others, educated and influenced by historians and the media who have actively created and progressed what is essentially a false narrative, this book may be quite a shock.

It wasn't the chapters on the numerous slave owning or segregationist supporting presidents that I found most interesting but those that look at separating myth from reality on presidents like Lincoln, FDR, Kennedy, Clinton and even Obama who have received almost reverential status among large sections of the black community. Also although not covered to the same degree the book also looks at the genocidal actions directed towards the indigenous peoples. The conclusion is that far from being an aberration, Trump, although in a more transparent form, is a continuation of a theme that has existed since the creation of the country. Certain to spark discussion and debate, this is a book that is recommended for those who take a more sceptical look at often accepted truths.

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This book is very informative. There is a lot the history books left out. Very interesting concept on how slaves, slavery, race relations, etc was handled by all presidents. It held my interest and I will recommend it to many that I know. I am very glad that I was given the honor of reading the ARC of this book. This book should be required reading. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the arc of this book in return for my honest opinion. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on this review. Kudos to the author!!!

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