Essays and Research Papers on Historical Figures

(8 pp) Frederick Douglass' life spanned nearly eighty years, from the time that slavery was universal in American states, to the time it was becoming a memory. Douglass freed himself from slavery, and through decades of tireless efforts he helped to free millions more. His life was a testament to courage and persistence that ...

An outline of the different perceptions on race relations among such individuals as Anthony Appiah, Bernard Boxill, Lewis Gordon, Howard McGary, Lucius Outlaw, Cornel West, and Naomi Zack. Contends that their is a variation in these perceptions which can be traced back to such historic variations in perspective as those between W.E.B. DuBois and ...

A 5 page research paper and essay that examines Frederick Douglass's Narrative of the life of an American Slave. The writer argues that in this text Douglass employs his mastery of language, a cultural tool that was frequently used against him, in order to change the perceptions of that society. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This 5 page paper considers the self identification presented in Maryse Conde's story of the Salem Witch Trials and the Caribbean slave woman, Tituba. This paper relates the relationship that exists between Tituba and other central characters in her work, including Mama Yaya, Abena and Yao, in shaping the view of her life and ...

An 8 page paper which discusses the various philosophical beliefs maintained by Malcolm X. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page discussion of the cultural environment in which "The Souls of Black Folk" was written and the message which the author sought to convey. Contends that the general public at this time was not very tolerant of blacks in general and W.E.B. DuBois was not only black, he had an impressive education ...

A 5 page research paper that examines how Douglass utilized the principles of romanticism to strengthen his argument against slavery in his Narrative of the Life of an American Slave. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

A 5 page discussion of race relations in the United States. Contends that the subject of race relations is a key philosophical issue precipitated in the United States largely by the presence of African Americans. It is an issue which has been broached by many black leaders of our past, and indeed the ...

A 5 page paper which discusses hidden symbols and examines their meanings as they appear in "The Struggle is My Life" by Nelson Mandela. No additional sources cited.

A 7 page paper discussing duBois' seminal work. DuBois did not maintain the objectivity of today's researchers in describing his conclusion. His theoretical contribution is that urbanization and concentrated poverty have ill effects on the black race. It contributes to in inordinate overrepresentation of females to males, and it is instrumental in providing a skewed view ...

(5 pp) Although our theme for this essay is "Leadership in the Making, " I really wanted to do this essay on Nelson Mandela, because he is such a person of peace. When he was born in 1918, Medela's father named him Rolihlahla by his father. This name technically means"pulling the branch ...

A 5 page paper which discusses the successes of Father Divine and Marcus Garvey. The paper illustrates how these successes are perhaps quite significant. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 5 page paper that explains and describes mini mills, a domestic competitor of integrated steel mills. A table illustrates the major differences between the integrated mills and the mini mills. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

A five page paper which looks at the philosophies and ideologies of Marcus Garvey and Malcolm X, and the ways in which their views regarding black separatism and the promulgation of black culture within a multi-racial community differed. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

A 5 page discussion of the unique views of the African American writer Howard Thurman. Emphasizes that although relatively unknown up until recent years, Howard Thurman is deserved of the title of being one of the most notable African American authors of all time. Illustrated Thurman’s views on the existence and nature of God, ...

The black man is rejected by society, rejected by himself and rejected by the black woman as a result of his own alienation. This 5 page paper provides a critical analysis of the book, Black Skin, White Mask by Frantz Fanon. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

(6 pp) The legend goes that when Abraham Lincoln met diminutive Harriet Beecher Stowe, he said to her, "Ah - you are the little lady that started the "great war." Certainly that is not quite the truth but Stowe's book did have a great influence on the events of the time. This ...

This 5 page paper compares and contrasts these two religious leaders of the black community. Their styles, beliefs and type of leadership are all discussed. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

(5 pp) As long as man has told stories, he has had heroes to talk about. Whether they are two-legged or four-legged, they are generally thoughtful and brave. We want, if not demand that in a hero. In the telling of stories we have determined that heroes are necessary elements ...

This 3 page paper looks at W.E.B. Du Bois's The Souls of Black Folk as well as what ideas about being black had come from there. The essay goes on to express ideas about the black experience in general. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 5 page paper which analyzes Frederick Douglass' description of how slavery needs the slaves in order to work, thus creating a logical system. No additional sources cited.

A 6 page paper which provides a brief summary of "The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass" and then illustrates how slavery was an institution of a somewhat logical nature. No additional sources.

An 8 page paper which first discusses "The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass" as it involves the patriarchal system of slavery, and then discusses antebellum reform as it is presented in Ronald G. Walters "American Reformers." No additional sources cited.

6 pages in length. Comparing the approach to racial issues between Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. requires the student to delve into various elements of each man's past, such as differing regional origins, in order to gain a significantly better understanding as to why – while enlightening the world on the same ...

Martin Luther King Jr. was considered one of the most controversial figures in the Civil Rights Movement. While he was lauded by many in his stance for freedom, he was criticized by others for his non-violent stance. This paper examines the life and philosophy of Martin Luther King Jr and some of the high points ...