Stephen A. Swails: Black Freedom Fighter in the Civil War and Reconstruction (Southern Biography Series)

In "Stephen A. Swails: Black Freedom Fighter in the Civil War and Reconstruction," part of the Southern Biography Series, readers are introduced to a towering yet unsung figure in American history. Published on November 3, 2021, this biography by Gordon C. Rhea shines a light on Stephen Atkins Swails, whose remarkable journey from a free Black in the North to a pioneering military officer and political leader in South Carolina encapsulates the fierce struggle for racial justice during and after the Civil War. Swails's historic ascent to becoming the first African American commissioned as a combat officer and his influential roles during Reconstruction highlight his unyielding crusade against systemic racial barriers. His legislative achievements and steadfast commitment to equality, despite severe opposition, make his story a compelling and educational read for middle-school students. This book not only restores Swails’s rightful place in history but also serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring fight for civil rights.