“We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.   That they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights.   That among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”.  (his quote from the Declaration of Independence)

This is a short history of three races—Native Americans, the first Americans who were nearly enslaved, African Americans who were enslaved, and the attempted decimation of the Jews during the Holocaust.   There were times in American history in which the things that happened to the three races were interrelated.

Mr. Wright explains the origin of Native Americans and how eventually they were moved west from their land so often that many of them died along the way, for example during the Trail of Tears.  Agencies that were supposed to help them did not.  If they were not Christian, they were considered savages.   Also, freed black slaves were recruited by the Union army to fight against American Indians in the “Indian Wars”.

He repeatedly says that his book is not a history book.  Rather it is his opinion so he does not include footnotes or a bibliography.   Actually, I believe footnotes, etc., would interrupt the flow of his narrative.

There are so many details lacking in many histories that his book should be taught as part of a history curriculum starting at least by middle school when I feel that children of all races should begin to start understanding issues.  

I remember when I was starting junior high school, we had a white history teacher who said that “all slaves did all day was sit on the porch playing the banjo.”   I don’t remember anything else she ever taught us.

“I believe in God.  I love my family, and I think the United States of America is the best country in the world.   [However]  For the past 15 years or so, the Civil Rights Movement, which was aggressive in the 60’s and 70’s, has slowed to a crawl.  Hopefully, this book will inspire a rebirth of the Civil Rights Movement…  This book is a wake-up call for those of us who have gone to sleep on the problem of racism in America.”   James S. Wright

Mr. Wright’s book is easy-reading nonfiction and flows well from chapter to chapter.   His opinions are eye-opening.   He also includes the contributions of the races to America.  This is an appropriate book for these tumultuous times with people of all races demonstrating in masses all around the world against racial, economic, and cultural injustices.

American Apartheid is my personal copy and it should be yours, too.   The reading of his book would certainly be worthy of your time.

Written by Rosa L. Griffin