Eyes on the Prize

Robert Mayer’s sourcebook, The Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Greenhaven Press/Thomsen & Gale, 2004) has won the Carter G. Woodson Book Award for 2005 for the best book on ethnicity for secondary-level readers.

The award’s namesake expresses the honor of this citation: Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950) was known as the “Father of Black History” for his books and his belief that African-Americans needed to know their past in order to make their mark on the present and future.

“I’m somewhat overwhelmed at getting feedback suggesting that someone else sees value in the book,” says Bob, professor of education, advisor to the historical studies major, and longtime student of the civil rights era. He says editing the book was “a pleasure unto itself.”

It contains original texts of the legislation, President Lyndon B. Johnson’s strong statements in support of public equality for black Americans, thoughtful essays by great participants in the civil rights movement, newspaper editorials and op-eds, and much other information, supported by a narrative connection and period photographs.

Bob will go to the National Council for the Social Studies’ 85th annual conference, November 17-20 in Kansas City, to receive the award.

Learn more about the award at www.socialstudies.org/awards/woodson.