A Treasury of African American Christmas Stories [Hardcover]

A collection of Christmas stories written by African-American journalists, activists, and writers from the late 19th century to the modern civil rights movement.

Back in print for the first time in over a decade, this landmark collection features writings from well-known black writers, activists, and visionaries such as Pauline Hopkins, Langston Hughes, and John Henrik Clarke along with literary gems from rediscovered writers. Originally published in African American newspapers, periodicals, and journals between 1880 and 1953, these enchanting Christmas tales are part of the black literary tradition that flourished after the Civil War.

Edited and assembled by esteemed historian Dr. Bettye Collier-Thomas, the short stories and poems in this collection reflect the Christmas experiences of everyday African Americans and explore familial and romantic love, faith, and more serious topics such as racism, violence, poverty, and racial identity. Featuring the best stories and poems from previous editions along with new material including “The Sermon in the Cradle” by W. E. B. Du Bois,A Treasury of African American Christmas Storiescelebrates a rich storytelling tradition and will be cherished by readers for years to come.Note to Readers

Introduction

The Sermon in the Cradle
W. E. B. Du Bois

A Carol of Color
Mary Jenness

The Christmas Reunion Down at Martinsville
Augustus M. Hodges

The Children’s Christmas
Alice Ruth Moore Dunbar

Christmas Eve Story
Fanny Jackson Coppin

Mollie’s Best Christmas Gift
Mary E. Lee

A Christmas Story
Carrie Jane Thomas

Fannie May’s Christmas
Katherine Davis Tillman

Elsie’s Christmas
Salem Tutt Whitney

General Washington: A Christmas Story
Pauline Elizabeth Hopkins

The Autobiography of a Dollar Bill