I commend Dr. Richard Bailey for writing his fifth book on African
Americans in Alabama.
I first met Dr. Bailey at a Calhoun Community College Professional
Development Conference in 1991. We were both invited participants on the
conference program. It was a very cordial meeting, and it was at that time
I learned about his first book, Neither Carpetbaggers Nor Scalawags.
His prodigious research and the enthusiasm with which he conveyed the
content of his book and discussed his topic impressed me. After the
program, we indicated that we would stay in touch. However, as often is
the case, this did not occur between the intervening years from 1991 to
1995.
However, as fate would have it, our paths did cross again in 1995.
Shortly after I assumed a new administrative position as director of the
State Black Archives, Research Center and Museum, I met Dr. Bailey again.
We both attended the meeting of the Southeastern Regional Conference on
Historic Preservation in Birmingham, Alabama, sponsored by the Alabama
Historical Commission in the summer of 1995. It was at this conference
that I learned of his plans to write another book, They Too Call
Alabama Home. Two additional meetings that same year followed this
renewed contact. One occasion was Dr. Bailey’s trip to Huntsville to
promote his first book at bookstores in the city. The other occasion was
during his return trip to Huntsville as a lecturer with the Alabama
Humanities Foundation Speakers’ Bureau and as speaker for a program
sponsored by the State Black Archives, Research Center and Museum. In
addition, the State Black Archives, Research Center and Museum, located on
the campus of Alabama A&M University (AAMU), and the AAMU Archives
provided some assistance to Dr. Bailey to facilitate the writing project
for his second book.
Although there are other works of the same genre that treat
African-Americans in Alabama history, they do not deal exclusively with
Blacks as a subject. But they are similar kinds of publications geared
toward popular and practical use for an audience that appreciates an
attractively illustrated reference work with helpful, readable, and easily
attainable information, especially on culture and history, as is the case
with They Too Call Alabama Home.
Works of this nature occupy an important place in such cultural and
historical institutions as museums, archives, historical societies, and
shops and stores that promote cultural and historical artifacts, heritage
education, and tours. These kinds of works are often purchased as
souvenirs and gifts and serve as conversation pieces in homes, businesses,
and public places. Chambers of commerce and convention centers often use
them as instructional aids to attract visitors and promote travel. Not
intended exclusively for academic use, books of this type also serve as
ready reference material for individuals, groups, and schools.
Although different in emphasis from the general pictorial or
illustrated history and culture, Bailey’s approach reminds me of a book
that I came across in Alabama A&M University’s archival collection
entitled The Alabama Negro, published by I. H. Rhone in 1946. Rhone’s book
is a collection of pictorial prints accompanied by a brief description of
each print with additional commentary dispersed throughout. He divided his
book into such categories as church, school, business, and social and
civic life, and includes material that covers the years between 1863 and
1946. While the organization and editorial treatment of The Alabama Negro
lack a professional approach, the book documents some of the significant
achievements of Black Alabamians during this period. Despite shortcomings,
Rhone’s work is an early attempt to use pictures and commentary to provide
a sketch of Black life in Alabama. However, the time is past due for a
more professional and extended treatment on this topic. Similar material
is found in such publications as "Alabama’s Black Heritage," a public
relations booklet produced by the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel
under the direction of Frances Smiley. It is a high-quality piece of work,
and she is to be commended for it.
Bailey’s work differs from Smiley’s in his emphasis on people rather
than places. Perhaps the difference is that Bailey’s focus is on the
humans who made great achievements as opposed to Smiley’s attention on the
cultural materials that represent their accomplishments. In this respect,
Bailey’s work is most similar to the earlier work by Rhone. In this book,
Bailey, an independent scholar and professional historian, provides the
treatment that the earlier work by Rhone lacked. It combines the popular
and practical appeal with the substantive touch of the scholar and
professional writer. The pictorial emphasis includes meaningful
descriptions and commentary with useful references accompanying each for
the casual or perusing reader. This added feature enhances the textural
quality and, with the bibliography at the end of each profile, is good as
a more extensive reading list and reflects the thorough efforts that
characterized his earlier works.
The significance of Bailey’s work is his unique approach. Although the
work focuses on Alabama, it is not limited to Alabama or "Alabamians" in
the strictest sense. In They Too Call Alabama Home, Bailey seeks to
claim a wider arena for the heritage of Alabama. He discusses not only
native-born Alabamians who contributed to Alabama’s indigenous history and
culture but focuses also on those persons who came from outside the state
and made their mark here in Alabama. He also includes native-born
Alabamians who left the state and made their mark outside of Alabama.
Bailey places Alabama in a different context by defining its heritage much
more broadly than others have done. This I find interesting because it has
some affinity with the emphasis used at the State Black Archives, Research
Center and Museum.
Calling Alabama home for Americans of African descent indicates their
connection to the state. It means different things to those who claim that
connection. For some African Americans, this connection existed before
Alabama became a state—a time when as a territory the United States
expanded and carried with it the spread of slavery and Blacks who were
part of its population. For others, this connection came during the Civil
War and Reconstruction. In addition, for still others, the linkage is much
more recent. Whether native-born or migrant, Alabama residents have
different reasons for staying in or moving to the state. Native sons and
daughters who left the state, and in some instances returned as prodigals,
join newcomers and other Alabamians to help shape Alabama’s history.
Bailey also includes expatriates who achieved success elsewhere and who
have chosen not to return to the state.
This book makes an important contribution to this genre of works and to
Alabama history. It should find a home in many new appropriate places and
environments and serve as a host to welcome a variety of visitors.
James W. Johnson, PhD
Professor of History and
Director, State Black Archives, Research Center and Museum
References:
Leah Rawls Aktins, et al., Alabama: The History of a Deep South
State (1994).
Edward Chambers Betts, A History of Historic Huntsville
(reprinted, 1966).
I. H. Rhone, The Alabama Negro (1946).
Frances Smiley, "Alabama’s Black Heritage."
