The Black Man's President: Abraham Lincoln, African Americans, and the Pursuit of Racial Equality

Frederick Douglass called Abraham Lincoln the "first who rose above the prejudice of his times and country" and the "black man's president." This narrative history of Lincolns personal interchange with Black people over his career reveals a side of the sixteenth president that has not been fully explored or understood. Douglass pointed to Lincolns official acts and utterances, as well as his own personal experiences with Black people, to justify this description. Lincoln interacted with many other African Americans during his presidency, showing unfailing cordiality, willingness to meet with them in the White House, honor their requests, invite them to consult on public policy, treat them with respect, and invite them to attend receptions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 17 February 2022
Publisher: Pegasus Books

In a powerful eulogy delivered shortly after President Lincoln's tragic assassination, Frederick Douglass hailed him as the "first who rose above the prejudice of his times and country." This narrative history of Lincoln's personal interactions with Black individuals throughout his career unveils a previously unexplored or misunderstood side of the sixteenth president. Douglass emphasized that Lincoln's official acts and statements, such as the Emancipation Proclamation and the Second Inaugural Address, were merely the culmination of his genuine respect for the rights and feelings of Black people.

However, Lincoln's designation as "emphatically the black man's president" extends far beyond his relationship with Douglass or his official words and deeds. Lincoln engaged with numerous African Americans during his presidency, displaying unwavering cordiality, willingness to meet with them in the White House, honoring their requests, consulting them on public policy, treating them with respect regardless of their social status, inviting them to receptions, singing and praying with them in their communities, and more. These gestures of an egalitarian spirit fully justified the tributes paid to him by Frederick Dou.

Douglass' eulogy serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that Lincoln's leadership had on the lives of Black Americans during a time of immense struggle and adversity. His unwavering commitment to equality and justice paved the way for greater progress and opportunities for generations to come. Lincoln's legacy continues to inspire and motivate us to strive for a more inclusive and equitable society, where every individual is valued and respected, regardless of their race or background.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 162 x 237 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781643138138