The Black History of the White House

By: Clarence Lusane

Narrated by: JD Jackson

The Black History of the White House presents the untold history, racial politics, and shifting significance of the White House as experienced by African Americans, from the generations of enslaved people who helped to build it or were forced to work there to its first black first family, the Obamas.

Clarence Lusane juxtaposes significant events in White House history with the ongoing struggle for democratic, civil, and human rights by black Americans and demonstrates that only during crises have presidents used their authority to advance racial justice. He describes how in 1901 the building was officially named the "White House" amid a furious backlash against President Roosevelt for inviting Booker T. Washington to dinner and how that same year saw the consolidation of white power with the departure of the last black Congress member elected after the Civil War. Lusane explores how, from its construction in 1792 to its becoming the home of the first black president, the White House has been a prism through which to view the progress and struggles of black Americans seeking full citizenship and justice.

©2011 Clarence Lusane (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Clarence Lusane is one of America's most thoughtful and critical thinkers on issues of race, class and power." (Manning Marable)

"Barack Obama may be the first black president in the White House, but he's far from the first black person to work in it. In this fascinating history of all the enslaved people, workers, and entertainers who spent time in the president's official residence over the years, Clarence Lusane restores the White House to its true colors." (Barbara Ehrenreich)

"Reading The Black History of the White House shows us how much we DON'T know about our history, politics, and culture. In a very accessible and polished style, Clarence Lusane takes us inside the key national events of the American past and present. He reveals new dimensions of the black presence in the US from revolutionary days to the Obama campaign. Yes, 'black hands built the White House' - enslaved black hands - but they also built this country's economy, political system, and culture, in ways Lusane shows us in great detail. A particularly important feature of this book its personal storytelling: we see black political history through the experiences and insights of little-known participants in great American events. The detailed lives of Washington's slaves seeking freedom, or the complexities of Duke Ellington's relationships with the Truman and Eisenhower White House, show us American racism, and also black America's fierce hunger for freedom, in brand new and very exciting ways. This book would be a great addition to many courses in history, sociology, or ethnic studies courses. Highly recommended!" (Howard Winant)

Connections

As a voter the election of 2008 I'd say was the first where I was more conscious and attentive to the voting process now that I was old enough to participate. Only wish I'd known about this text prior to visiting Washington, DC. Highly recommend, thought about Dyson's Black Presidency read a lot as well.

A recommendation

An excellent history that I never knew about in my education. So glad there are books available now to fill in what was omitted. A good read or listen.

Good historical content

I really liked this book, it gave good insight of the stories and things that happened that's not in the history books. the narrator had good flow and get depth to his voice. this has been an excellent read or excellent listen.

Interesting, good anecdotes, proving what?

This book provides an interesting summation of the history of what has happened to blacks over the last couple hundred years in the United States of America.
It might better be entitled “Blacks and any association with the White House that might be rendered”.
Definitely worth reading, but to be taken with many grains of salt.

The truth about American history

There’s a lot of history that we may never learn about. This book reveals some of it.

Filling in the gaps of the history I was taught

I appreciate Clarence Lusane’s work, The Black History of the White House. I just finished part 1 & I am eager to start part two. Lusane shines a spotlight on the many significant, fascinating & impressive contributions & sacrifices made by my African American for fathers & mothers. Their achievements do not surprise me, neither do the efforts by American whites to conceal and appropriate black intelligence, talent, fortitude and courage. Lusane skillfully & verifiably sets records straight in ways that move me to jump & shout! 👏🏽👏🏽

Well researched!!

This is so important in as far as American History and should really be required reading for all! I highly recommend this for all. The narrator was one of the best I have every heard! Great job by both author and narrator! Thank you!

Must read

This book needs to be read by every US person but must be done with an open mind and not trying to make excuses for the terrible history of our country.

An intriguing historical account

Strongly recommend this book as a must read for every high school student across America. This book provides historical perspectives on the importance of the White House progression beyond politics.

Informative!!

There was so much I didn’t know about the Black history of the White House, I thought they only served but to know the importance of the contribution to the construction and architecture of the White House was beyond what I expected but I am not surprised by the magic that my ancestors brought to this country and continue to thrive despite the hardships tailor-made for us not to.