1. Eyes on the Prize: America's Civil Rights Years, 1954-1965http://www.amazon.com/Eyes-Prize-Americas-1954-1965-American/dp/01400965312. Africana - The Encyclopedia of the African and African American Experience (note: 1. not a history book per se, but includes historical elements; 2: there is a 5-volume set which is fantastic, but kinda cost prohibitive)http://www.africanaencyclopedia.com/