9th Edition of 'From Slavery to Freedom' Released

Ninth Edition of Franklin’s ‘From Slavery to Freedom’ Released

by Camille Jackson

DURHAM, NC -- At the memorial service for Duke historian John Hope Franklin last year, one of the common themes was how his work would continue to educate scholars and students. Now, a new edition of his seminal work, From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African Americans, is evidence of his lasting influence.

The ninth edition of the classic is a collaboration between Franklin and his longtime mentee, Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham, chair of the Harvard University Department of African American Studies.

Franklin first wrote the book in 1947. Since then it has sold more than 3 million copies and been translated into numerous languages.

In late January, McGraw-Hill released a more contemporary version of the text, bringing African American history into the 21st century. On Thursday, Feb. 18, the National Archives in Washington, D.C., will host an evening honoring the legacy of Franklin and the newly published edition. The event, which starts at 7 p.m., is free and open to the public. The program will include a panel discussion with archivist David S. Ferriero and Higginbotham.

The new edition is updated to reflect the latest views on African-American history and includes current events from the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina to the globalization of hip-hop and the historic election of President Obama. (Obama is featured prominently on the cover.) The new edition also includes digital features such as an online primary source investigator as a resource for teachers and students.

Other significant additions are:

* More attention to the slave life in the Spanish, Dutch and French colonies

* Increased coverage of women and women’s history

* Coverage of the emergence of grassroots social movements in local communities across the United States in the mid-20th century

*Highlighting the important role of art and culture as a reflection of the time period, including discussions of writers, musicians and artists

“Because of John Hope Franklin, the story of blacks’ contribution to America – a record once denied, disregarded and disrespected – no longer stands at the back door of scholarship,” said Higginbotham.