Extraordinary Black Missourians, 2nd Edition

African Americans have been a part of Missouri from its territorial days to the present, making significant contributions across myriad professions as pioneers, educators, civil rights activists, and journalists, to name a few. Now in its second edition, Extraordinary Black Missourians profiles more than 100 notable citizens, such as Grace Bumbry, George Washington Carver, Elizabeth Keckley, Frankie Freeman, Scott Joplin, Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, James Beckwourth, and others who have contributed to Missouri s African American legacy. They set records; made discoveries; received local, national, and international acclaim and awards; and led the civil rights movement by breaking down racial barriers. These accomplishments have played a major role in shaping the history and culture of the state and nation. Co-authors John A. Wright, Sr., Sylvia A. Wright, and John A. Wright, Jr. bring decades of experience writing about their native St. Louis and the heritage of African Americans in their hometown. Extraordinary Black Missourians puts a face on historically significant people and tells of their joys, failures, hardships, and triumphs against seemingly insurmountable odds.


About the Author
John A. Wright, Sr. is a retired educator who has served in positions ranging from classroom teacher to superintendent of schools. He has a BA from Harris Teachers College and an ME and PhD from St. Louis University. He is coauthor of Extraordinary Black Missourians, Ethnic St. Louis, and 12 other books on local and regional history. Sylvia A. Wright is a retired nurse educator. She has a BSN and MSN from Washington University and an ME from the University of Missouri, and she is the coauthor of Extraordinary Black Missourians and Carondelet. Sylvia has assisted in writing 12 books as well as articles on St. Louis and regional history. John A. Wright, Jr. is a school teacher in the St. Louis Public Schools district and has degrees in advertising, speech, curriculum, and technology, and a doctorate in educational leadership. He is a coauthor of Images of Modern America: African American St. Louis.