First published in 1996. In this volume the author has collected several published works to explore the ideas of manhood in America, Sojourner Truth, ties of ordinary blacks to those still in slavery and a study of the Northern African American community; new information on black activities in Canada and begins with an essay on the five elements of black community activity before the Civil War: churches, newspapers, conventions, organizations, and emigration which looks at of these "platforms for change" going through developmental stages from experimentation, adjustment and reaching maturity in the 1850’s.