Light, Bright and Damn Near White: Black Leaders Created by the One-Drop Rule

I have always loved history especially Black history probably because of my Paternal grandmother who share with me and my brother the Black history when we were growing up and her insistence that we studied to learn more. Therefore by finding this book with so much history in one place is such a great find! The author with all her research and knowledge in this book helps to build on the information I knew and expanded my knowledge of people that I did not as well as cleared up some of the misconception of People of Color during this time who were misidentified and label as a people they were not! Michelle Gordon Jackson book clarifies and set the record straight by highlighting the achievements of these activist by highlighting their accomplishments, their struggle and their pride of who they were despite the obstacles they might have faced. I truly appreciate the time and effort it took to write such wonderful book! This book should be required reading for all household no matter the race as a testament to what these People of Color contributed to betterment of this country and the world from slavery and beyond! This is what Black History Week is supposed to offer! Knowledge and Pride! Thanks Michelle for some a wonderful gift!

I appreciated the information in this book, as it destroys the ideal that most Blacks who could pass for White, at that time, did. The fact that many chose to identify as Black, knowing full well the personal limitations that would result , in my mind, was a sign of great courage and fortitude. Not only was I not familiar with many of the notaries featured in the book, but I was not aware of their high level of accomplishments at a time filled with so much societal hatred and fear of African-Americans. I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to learn more, not only about Black history in particular, but also about general American history as a whole. It's one of those books one should have in their libraries.

Haven't finished it yet, but so far I'm good with it..

I found "Light, Bright and Damn Near White", to be a well written interesting book. I admired many of the people who could have passed for being completly white and make their lives easier, but instead choose to embrace their African American side Many of them helped their people therefore, making valuable contributions to a better society. The evils of slavery were also addressed in this book. I felt I learned a lot about history and people who made a difference.

This is a fascinating look at an aspect of American history — the South's "One Drop Rule" — that is rarely studied. It shows the devastating effects of this country's obsession with racial classification from its earliest days, and some of the forgotten figures who challenged social norms. As other reviewers have noted, the style is readable and accessible, in contrast to standard biographies that stuff every paragraphs with names, dates, and quotes. Thank you, MIchelle Gordon Jackson, for this eye-opening book!

This book covers a little known but important segment of American history. I knew about many of these people . But the well- documented details in this book fleshed them out and put them into perspective . Walter White of the NAACP and Adam Powell were brave and resilient . My family has many people in this category. Some took the easy way and "passed for white .Giving it to a white friend to read.

Wonderful, well researched book highlighting the lives and histories of 25 African Americans spanning the years of 1813 to 1976 whose achievements were despite race. More impressive was reading about the difficulty of being but not looking black. Loads of background in the introduction and nicely laid out and organized. Even better was the fact that as a history book it is very well written, easy to read--and makes for a fabulous series of stories with a central theme. Wow! Thanks so much to Michelle Gordon Jackson!

Very informative book. Stories of African Americans I didn't know existed. The struggles and sacrifices they all made was very interesting. Reading this has encourage me to strive to do and be better. With all the resources we have now, there is no excuses for us to not achieve any goals we have in life.