The Cyclopedia of the Colored Baptists of Alabama: Their Leaders and Their Work

"The Cyclopedia of the Colored Baptists of Alabama: Their Leaders and Their Work" by Charles Octavius Boothe is a historical record from the late 1800s that explores the rise of Colored Baptists in Alabama, shining a light on important leaders and the church's impact on the community. It's a book aiming to record the achievements of the Colored Baptist denomination during a time of big change in the South, following freedom of Black people who were enslaved. The beginning introduces the author's life, telling about his background as the child of a formerly enslaved peoples, highlighting the importance of faith and learning in his early life. Boothe talks about what made him want to become a leader and put together this cyclopedia: to show the growth and good works of the Colored Baptists in Alabama. Overall, the book has a tone of respect and strength, showing a dedication to telling stories that have often been ignored and making it clear why it's important to understand the Colored Baptist community's story in American history.