Freedom Colonies: Independent Black Texans in the Time of Jim Crow: 15 (Jack and Doris Smothers Series in Texas History, Life, and Culture) Paperback – 1 Mar. 2005

Excellent historical and sociological treatment of the establishment of African American settlements after the Civil War, especially in East Texas, and including white opposition. Interesting and well worth reading. Both scholarly and accessible.

I like being able to read a book about Freedom Colonies. Reverend Silas L. Davis was the main person interviewed for St. John Colony. It gave me more insight about the trials and tribulations my family experienced. My family sheltered my generations from negative behaviors. I actually grew upin a paradise living in St. John Colony. Riches such as strong family ties, respect your elders, love your neighbors, worship, fellowship together, grieved together, share meals, work hard, educated, above all treat everyone the way you would want to be treated. June 18, 2022, we celebrated our 150thJuneteenth in St. John Colony. I am proud of our founding families lead by Rev. John Winn, Josiah Hill,Andrew J Davis, Cary Hill, Moses Hill, George Mackey, William "Billy" Carter, Jeff Franklin, Lamar Hill, Calvin Allen, George Arnold, Berry D Davis, Monroe Johnson, Simon Hill. My family still own our familyland from our great great grandparents Josiah Hill/Virginia Wright-Hill and Calvin Allen and Virginia Jackson-Allen. A special shout out to Thad Sitton, James H. Conrad, Jack and Doris Smothers series in Texas History, life and culture. Research and photographs by Richard Orton.

This is an excellent book depicting the efforts of african americans in east texas to find a place in the sun. A place away from the bigotry surrounding african americans througout america. Even if your ancestors are not from east texas, this book describes the people, their lives, accomplishments and struggles to make a life for themselves. Despite the omission of any reference to Winona, Smith County Texas, one of the most successful community of black people in perhaps all of texas. My personal bias aside, this is a well written, well documented, easy to read narrative of early black communities in rural texas.

Good book

Important and transfixing study of African-Americans in Texas from reconstructiion to the civil rights area. Very readable , but still scholarly.