Fluid and compelling. Should be on the reading list at every college and university that offers courses on the history of African American education in the United States." - Journal of African American History "This study of the African American struggle for educational equality is crucial reading for anyone interested in the long civil rights movement, educational reform, or the relationship between school and citizenship. Thuesen's research is impeccable; her writing is clear; and her arguments are well-grounded in the facts." - American Historical Review "A precise and reasoned exploration of this rich and complex history, particularly attentive to a range of black efforts and opinions." - Journal of Southern History "An outstanding work of scholarship that substantially increases our understanding of the history of education and the long black freedom struggle." - The North Carolina Historical Review "Drawing on an array of archival sources and oral histories, the book is deeply researched and well organized, and Thuesen's writing style is engaging." - The Historian "Thuesen's nuanced analysis deepens our understanding of the history of education in North Carolina.

" - Journal of American History "Thuesen joins a rich and growing literature that embraces the idea of a "Long Civil Rights Movement." - Journal of Interdisciplinary History "Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above." - Choice.