One hundred years ago, the first all-Black musical, SHUFFLE ALONG, changed the Great White Way forever. Author/narrator Caseen Gaines offers this fascinating, well-researched history of the struggles of Black actors and others who changed the face of Broadway. Gaines delivers first-rate performances of the anecdotes recounted by Black entertainers Noble Sissle, Eubie Blake, Flournoy Miller, and Aubrey Lyles and explains their positive influence on Black culture. In the early 1900s, Black actors were expected to play buffoonish characters in blackface. Sissle, Blake, Flournoy, and Lyles combined their talents to write SHUFFLE ALONG, a political satire in which Black actors portrayed non-stereotypical characters. How would white audiences respond to an all-Black musical? Gaines's narration brings both the period and the people to life.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2021
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781982592028
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Soft-voiced narrator Danielle Lee James becomes the author as she recounts her research into the life, accomplishments, and trials of Mary MacLeod Bethune, who was often called the "First Lady of the Struggle" or "First Lady of Black America." Author Noliwe Rooks's brief academic work focuses on Bethune's political philosophy as it is intertwined with the life and legacy of this consequential twentieth- century woman who dared to fight the system for Black women and girls. Using subtle pauses and changes in pacing, James skillfully moves listeners' attention between discussions of Bethune's life and the author's reflections on Bethune's accomplishments, including her crucial work with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, Presidents Truman and FDR, and other national leaders.
Pub Date: July 23, 2024
Duration: 3 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593864715
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Narrator Janina Edwards gives an exceptional presentation of this biographical examination of Harriet Tubman. This audiobook compares the work of Tubman and other known civil rights activists in the pre-Civil War period. Edwards effectively delivers the vignettes of Tubman's life, complete with Southern accents and the local vernacular of the era. Tubman endured more physical abuse and mental hardships in her lifetime than any other activist. Most did not physically help hundreds of slaves gain their freedom. Edwards creates a realistic portrait of the woman, her life and loves, and what drove her into action. There is new information embedded in this portrait that will amaze most listeners. Edwards's clear admiration for this hero resonates in her voice and performance.
Pub Date: June 18, 2024
Duration: 6 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780593864395
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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