This attractively designed and illustrated volume offers a selection of writings and speeches by notable African Americans that testify to the power of words to influence and change society. Texts from 34 key figures are arranged thematically as well as chronologically. 200 years of African American history are covered, starting with Benjamin Banneker's letter to Thomas Jefferson and concluding with excerpts from Toni Morrison's Nobel Lecture and the lyrics of hip-hop diva, Lauryn Hill.