This anthology is made up of background readings selected to assist a student to understand the historical background of black Americans. Some readings help the student to become acquainted with Africa; others deal with the ramifications of the institution of slavery in various periods of American colonial and national history. Finally, other selections highlight the presence of black Americans in various periods of history and the contributions of black Americans to many aspects of American life and culture.

A few basic historical documents that are important to various periods and events have been included, as well as selections that acquaint the reader with the feelings of people living in different periods of history. Finally, there is a sampling of writings—some old, some recent—chosen again to reflect the spirit of the times as well as efforts to reinterpret the past.

The title of this book was suggested by the story line of Roots. Kunta Kinte was born free and lived free until he was captured while selecting wood to make a drum. Outwardly a slave, he retained his pride and dignity and remained free in mind and spirit. He taught his daughter to be proud of her African heritage. Thus was a tradition established that led to Haley’s reconstruction and telling of his family’s experiences through two hundred years. With the Emancipation Proclamation and the passage of the 13th Amendment, the members of the fourth and fifth generations of the family were legally free. Although no one would deny that the struggle for full freedom has continued from that time to the present and will continue into the future, freedom remains the goal not only for Kunta’s descendents and all blacks, but also for all people. Until all are free, no one is fully free.

Alex Haley contributed to From Freedom to Freedom: African Roots in American Soil by writing the foreword.