by James Haskins and Kathleen Benson; illustrated by James Ransome

The colonial period in America (1607-1763) spanned more than 150 years and brought great changes in the lives of African-American slaves. In the 1600s, slaves could buy their freedom and could even become property owners and slave owners, but as the years passed, such rights were gradually revoked. In this volume, James Haskins and Kathleen Benson detail how America changed from a society with slaves to a slave society that relied heavily upon forced black labor, how slaves resisted oppression, and how they struggled to maintain the traditions of their rich African culture through music, dance, and storytelling.

Award-winning illustrator James Ransome's vivid acrylic paintings bring to life the African-American colonial experience. Complete with biographical sketches, milestones of the period, and an index, this third book in the fascinating and informative From African Beginnings series explores the lives of African Americans during one of North America's most tumultuous and developmental periods.