What is African American History?

This concise yet comprehensive guide traces the evolution of African American historical scholarship from its pioneering 19th-century origins to contemporary digital approaches. Organized both chronologically and thematically, it examines the discipline's crucial turning points, key methodologies, and major intellectual movements that have shaped how Black history is studied and understood. The book serves as both an introduction to African American history's core narratives and a meta-analysis of the historical enterprise itself.

Dagbovie distinguishes this work by balancing historical content with critical historiography, making it invaluable for students and readers seeking to understand not just what happened, but how the telling of Black history has transformed over generations. The book's dual focus on both the past and the practice of history creates a multidimensional reading experience that will resonate with anyone curious about how historical narratives are constructed, challenged, and refined. This thoughtful examination demonstrates why African American historical scholarship remains a dynamic and essential field of study.