International historian returns to area to discuss discoveries in Black history

New indications about what may have caused the American Revolution, explanations regarding tension between the U.S. and Cuba, and untraditional viewpoints of Black history’s involvement will be discussed by historian Gerald Horne on campus.

Dr. Horne has authored numerous books on Black history putting new angles to their various roles in American history. He will discuss his research on campus at the SIUE Bookstore on Thursday. Photo courtesy of Wells.

Horne will present his books on the topics on Thurs., Feb. 26^th, from 2- 4 p.m., at the MUC Bookstore.

The author of more than three dozen books will discuss “The Counter-Revolution of 1776: Slave Resistance and the Origins of the United States of America” and “Race to Revolution: The U.S. and Cuba during Slavery and Jim Crow.”

Black studies program director Prince Wells said he thinks Horne is an outstanding scholar.

“We don’t encounter many people with the academic stamina and credentials like him,” Wells said. “His scholarship is of the highest level.”

Wells added that Horne is an international known historian and that everything he says is based on solid research.

“He thoroughly researches everything and he’s not just talking,” Wells said.

Horne said his publication on the American Revolution presents a new and novel presentation.

According to Horne, the founding of America, with the revolting of British rule by the U.S., was largely a desire to preserve slavery. 

“Britain was moving to abolish slavery and the settlers of America objected to it,” Horne said. “Time will tell about the acceptance of the piece published.”

His findings and interpretations were based on roughly five years of research. Horne studied government documents, letters and diaries throughout the U.S. such as in Boston, St. Augustine, Fla., and Williamsburg Va., as well as London. Such information were of the founding fathers as well as people opposed to the American Revolution:  King George III of England, abolitionists and black Americans.

Horne said his recent book came about from as a historian having written numerous books examining black history from the 17^th century-1776.

The book contains an epilogue with a conclusion in which Horne presents a connection between the present and past for black Americans.

“There is high incarceration rates among black Americans, numerous police killings, high infant mortality rates and lower life expectancy,” he said.

Horne will present a second book addressing slavery at the bookstore: “Race to Revolution: The U.S. and Cuba during Slavery and Jim Crow.”

Horne said his purpose was to discuss oftentimes tense conflicted relations between the U.S. and Cuba. In historical terms.

According to Horne, the book deals with slavery, the U.S. role in perpetuating slavery in Cuba, though slavery was abolished in Cuba during the 1880s.

“The U.S. defeated Spain in a war in 1898 and took control of Cuba then thought to impose white privileges.”  Horne said. “Those who were defined as not [white] would not have privileges.”

Horne said he wrote the books to educate, stir discussion and increase political activism.

“I’m looking forward with eager anticipation speaking to SIUE students,” Horne said.

He noted that students who come to his presentation will receive free copies of the two books.

Horne earned his doctorate in history from Columbia University and his J.D. from the Univ. of California at Berkley. He is a native of St. Louis and currently resides in North Carolina.