John Henrik Clarke Africana Library

Author:

Lawrence Watson

Degree Date:

January, 1978

Committee Chairperson:

J. Congress Mbata

Call Number:

Thesis DT 3.5 1978 W33

Description:

vi, 104 leaves: ports.; 28 cm.

Abstract:

Joel Augustus Rogers researched, wrote, and published more than ten volumes on the Black man in world history at his own expense because he could not find a reputable publishing house willing to print his material. Twenty-two of the years Rogers spent traveling as a leading Black newspaper correspondent from 1917-1966 were also devoted to researching Black history in six languages and sixty countries. However, despite Rogers' voluminous research and publication, there has not been an extesive study of his life and writings. This unfortunate oversight is the main reason for investigating this topic. The purpose of this thesis is to determine why Rogers emphasized African contributions to world societies and history. It will also examine Rogers' role in aiding the average Black person's understanding of the Blacks' historic and contemporary world problems. This will be accomplished by analysing Rogers' writings, in which he: 1) wrote history to demonstrate African humanity; 2) established himself as a biographical researcher of the highest claibre; 3) challenged theories of reacial purity and superiority; 4) became a leading authority on race relations throughout the world; 5) utilized Black newspapers as a vehicle to broaden Black people's knowledge of their past; 6) employed past events as a tool for Black people to confront contemporary social issues; and 7) secured for himself a place as an authoratative researcher on Black history. Through his tiredless efforts Rogers became one of the most important popularizers of Black history during the twentieth century.