Black Lives in Alaska: A History of African Americans in the Far Northwest

Black Alaskans have a long history in Alaska, participating in politics, culture, and the freedom struggle. Their unique racial landscape and strategic military location have influenced their way of life. Black Lives in Alaska explores how Alaskas Black population has had an outsized impact on the region's culture and civic life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2022
Publisher: University of Washington Press

The rich and intricate history of Black Alaskans extends across generations, with roots that predate even the Klondike gold rush of the 1890s. Long before the statehood of Alaska, Black men and women actively participated in the political and cultural life of the region. They engaged in diverse pursuits such as whale hunting, sea patrols, road construction, military service, and business ventures, all while facing the pervasive challenges of racism and fighting for justice.

Into the 20th century, Black residents in Alaska continued to be part of the broader national struggle for freedom. At the same time, Black settlers in Alaska found themselves in a distinct context compared to other parts of the United States. Alaska's strategic military location, economic reliance on oil, and unique racial landscape shaped the experiences of Black Alaskans as they established their homes in the northwesternmost corner of the country.

Black Lives in Alaska serves as a comprehensive exploration of the Black population in Alaska, highlighting their significant contributions to the region's culture and civic life. Despite their relatively small numbers, Black Alaskans have left an indelible mark on Alaska's history and society. The book underscores the importance of centering the agency and diversity of Black Alaskans, recognizing their unique experiences and challenges within the broader context of Alaska's racial dynamics.

Alaska's history of race relations and civil rights serves as a poignant reminder that the struggles against discrimination and its responses—resilience, activism, and perseverance—are American stories that can be found in unexpected places. By examining the experiences of Black Alaskans, Black Lives in Alaska offers a valuable lens through which to understand the complexities of race and identity in the United States and beyond.

Weight: 308g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780295750934