What Black America Built

By Dr. Nakeyau Patterson

Invention, Science, Culture, and the Work That Shaped America

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About this book

Paperback now available on Amazon: $24.99 USD. The hardcover ($34.99 USD) is still publishing as of October 19, 2026. Read the free sample and choose your format below; check Amazon for current prices and availability.

Who made the things we use, the institutions we rely on, and the culture we share? Written for grades 6–12, with teacher or family support as needed, What Black America Built explores documented Black contributions to invention, science, medicine, technology, education, business, the arts, and everyday work.

Across 42 chapters, readers investigate specific contributions, examine historical records, and ask how credit is assigned. The book distinguishes inventing, improving, making, organizing, and teaching, while keeping a central principle in view: achievement is never a condition of human dignity.

The 364-page print edition includes reading routes, a chronology, glossary, source notes, and name and subject indexes. The opening chapter includes reflection questions, a short inquiry, and a teacher note.

Read a sample: preview the cover, title and copyright pages, full-book contents and reading routes, introduction, Chapter 1: Who Gets Credit, and supporting source-note pages. This 16-page PDF contains selected pages; the remaining chapters are not included.

Part of the Black History and Human Dignity series by Dr. Nakeyau Patterson. Paperback ISBN: 979-8-951901-70-5. Paperback ASIN: B0HNKYVJL8.

At a glance

Readers: Grades 6–12, Families, Educators
Category: Black History
Formats: Paperback · Hardcover
Series: Black History and Human Dignity

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