Phillis Wheatley has been criticized for "thinking White" and lacking Black identity. In fact, Wheatley was a strong force among contemporary abolitionist writers and, through the use of Biblical imagery, incorporated anti-slavery statements in her writings. Wheatley's work must be understood within the historical context of…

Introduces special issue (with same title) designed to demonstrate how Blacks and whites, as allies, used 'tongue, pen, and participation' (social, political, religious, economic, judicial) to protest conditions such as discrimination, inequality, and segregation. Also gives broad overview of Black involvement in the antislavery movement. (CMG)

In an attempt to clarify research problems for historians trying to determine how much Native American ancestry Afro-Americans actually possess, examines the considerable variance in meanings of racial terms (like "mulatto") within the American historical record. (KH)

Argues that too little attention to the history of learning and literacy among African Americans has led to the perpetuation of distortions and misconceptions about their value in the Black community. Misunderstanding of Black children's educational problems is a consequence of ignoring historical evidence and the effects of caste membership. (AF)