This collection of essays first published in 1903 examines the role, influence, and perceptions of African American men and women in turn-of-the-century society. The text contains incidents of racial slurs and negative stereotypes.

"Nathan Huggins prepared the notes which appear at the end of this volume"--P. [vii]. "The contents of this Paperback Classic are drawn from W.E.B. Du Bois : Writings, volume #34 in the Library of America series"--P. [231].