Lean’tin Bracks, Ph.D., is the retired professor of African American literature and retired chair of the Department of Arts and Languages, discipline coordinator of English and coordinator of African American Studies at Fisk University. Dr. Bracks continues to conduct research in the areas of African American Literature, Literature of the Diaspora, and African American Women’s Literature. She is the author of Writings on Black Women of the Diaspora: History Language and Identity; and she is the co-editor of Black Women of the Harlem Renaissance Era. She also has contributed to resource publications and academic journals, including African American National Biography; Encyclopedia of African American Popular Culture, and Encyclopedia of African American Business. Dr. Bracks earned her undergraduate degree from Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, which also bestowed upon her an honorary doctorate, and she completed her graduated work at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.
"“For the person who devours history, look for African American Almanac: 400 Years of Black Excellence by Lean’tin Bracks, PhD. This second edition is full of history, mini-biographies, things your giftee might not know, and best of all: it’s completely updated.” —Indianapolis Recorder “Starred Review: affordable, concise, and overall first-rate resource.... Booklist Editors’ Choice: Reference Sources, 2012” —Booklist (praise for the prior edition) “This excellent reference work on the contributions of African-Americans to the history and culture of the United States provides accessible reference and biographical information on a wide range of important events and people.” —Book News (praise for the prior edition) “Celebrating centuries of achievements, the African American Almanac provides insights on the influence, inspiration, and impact of African Americans on U.S. society and culture.” —Denver Urban Spectrum (praise for the prior edition) “Bracks impressive work is clearly for the educated lay-person, curious researcher, or studious scholar. Bracks has done well in presenting a fair account of the topics, making this an obvious addition to high school and college libraries everywhere.” —Children's Literature (praise for the prior edition) “... excellent overview of African American contributions to the United States” —Library Journal (praise for the prior edition) “A one of a kind fantastic book of reference.... It renders a profound look at history by way of the African American experience” —Birmingham Times (praise for the prior edition) “This almanac highlights the considerable contributions African Americans have made to the fabric of U.S. society and culture. Perhaps most inspiring about this collection is that it also features the lives of lesser known leaders, artists, and political figures who may have been forgotten if it were not for their inclusion.” —The Children's Book Review (praise for the prior edition) “Through historical overviews and hundreds of biographies, Bracks thoughtfully illuminates ""a legacy of pride, struggle, and triumph"" that is part of the black experience in the US.” —Choice (praise for the prior edition)"