Title: Hero of Hispaniola : America's first Black diplomat, Ebenezer D. Bassett /
Authors: Teal, Christopher, 1971-
Publisher: Praeger,
Year: 2008
Subjects: Bassett, Ebenezer D.,; African Americans Biography; Ambassadors United States Biography; African American diplomats Biography.; African Americans Segregation History; African American educators Biography.; African American abolitionists Biography; United States Foreign relations Haiti.; Haiti Foreign relations United States; United States Race relations History
Abstract: "More than one hundred and thirty years ago, Ebenezer D. Bassett served as the first black United States ambassador. In the aftermath of the Civil War, the U.S. government broke the color barrier by naming this leading educator, abolitionist, and activist to the controversial post of ambassador to the hemisphere's Black Republic - Haiti. For the first time, a nation founded on the principle that "all men are created equal" would have as its representative abroad someone previously less than equal under the law. This movement toward equality proved to be a force impossible to turn back, leading to a wider acceptance of blacks in U.S. foreign policy." "This book lays bare the struggles Bassett faced as a pioneer of one the most controversial subjects in America's history: racial integration." "Bassett played a critical role in foreign affairs in the late 19th century, during the formative years of American expansionism in Latin America and the Caribbean. This book highlights his achievements, achievements that directly contributed to the racial revolution in the U.S. These include being appointed the first African American diplomat and chief of a U.S. diplomatic mission, leading the integration of public schools, and fighting for equal rights alongside revolutionaries such as Frederick Douglass." "Hero of Hispaniola helps secure Bassett's legacy as the first African American political figure, a man who not only altered the American political structure, but led the way for all future civil rights advocates to follow."--book jacket.
Contents: Under siege -- Horns of a dilemma -- Recognition at last -- The Bassetts of Connecticut -- Black activist in Philadelphia -- Minister resident -- Annexation vexation -- Diplomatic immunity -- De'ye' mo'n gen mo'n -- Lover of justice -- Leaving Hayti -- Mr. Consul General -- A hero's return? -- Final homecoming -- Conclusion.