Princella and MacArthur Davis have brought to the forefront a vivid and much needed pictorial cornucopia of Bradley County Black history. Afro-Americans of Bradley County, Arkansas 1800-1930 is a first introduction work that spans much of the county and breaks new historical ground.
The Davis' book is fully indexed and contains 370 pages of wonderful unpublished photographs. The authors appears to have found the key to open the door for other studies in Afro-American history.
I wholly recommend this book and encourage all Afro-Americans in Bradley County to use this work as an example for compiling other sources of history from within their community.
Jann Woodard
Benton, AR
It is not often that an offspring get to walk through a picturesque view of kinfolks from the past. The Afro-Americans book by Princella and MacArthur Davis has tapped into a space that should be visited by all relatives of those born in Bradley County Arkansas from 1800-1930. I found it to be inspiring yet causing me to reflect on the hardships endured by my grandparents, uncles, aunts, mom and dad. I was and am always proud of who I am. This book reminded me of where and from whom I came. That in itself is a special feeling.
Codis Hampton II
Entrepreneur
As far back as I can remember I have wanted to know about the people who lived in Bradley County Arkansas long before I was born. I especially wanted to know about the town of Bank because that is where I was born and raised. I used to ask my parents a lot of questions about the people of olden days. I wanted to know where they came from, how they got to Bradley County, what they did, what they looked like, and on and on. I still have that same inquisitiveness today. This is one reason that I am overjoyed about Princella and MacArthur Davis' book, Afro-Americans Bradley County Arkansas 1800-1930. This is the first book of its kind that tells the story in pictures of African Americans in Bradley County Arkansas. In fact, it is the first book that tells the story of African Americans in Bradley County, period. This is a book of discoveries, surprises, and sheer joy. Just imagine what it feels like to open a book and find that relative that you always heard about, wondered about, but never met. The Davis' have done an outstanding job of telling our story. I highly recommend this beautifully illustrated book to anyone who has roots in the Bradley County Arkansas communities. Just to name a few: Banks, Mt Olive, Johnsville, Vicks, the Pleasant Hill community, the Childs Settlement, Jersey, Marsden, the town of Hermitage and the county seat, Warren. Afro Americans Bradley County Arkansas 1800-1930 is a historical jewel. It is a treasure that is worth preserving for all future generations of African Americans.
Margie Ree Campbell Threadgill
Chicago, IL
2009 January 06
