The Negro Trailblazers of California

by Delilah Beasley

The first African-Amercan Congresswoman from California, Yvonne Brathwaite Burke in comments for James Stevenson Publisher's reprint of this book, describes "Negro Trail Blazers of California" as monumental. She says, "I was greatly impressed with the detail and magnitude of the research and writing of author Delilah Beasley." She says this book, '...provides modern-day students and researchers with a detailed encyclopedia of knowledge. Every Californian can benefit from reading this historical work."

 Delilah Beasley’s significant work in collecting and recording the contributions of African- Americans in early California is recognized by scholars across America.  This book provides not only a wonderful history of California, but is a superb genealogical resource for families that have been in the state since before 1919.  

Ms. Beasley was a correspondent with the Cleveland Gazette then moved to Oakland California, writing for the Oakland Tribune. During that time she also did research at UC Berkeley.