An Afro Indigenous History Of The United States

PRAISE FOR

AN AFRO-INDIGENOUS HISTORY OF

THE UNITED STATES

“Dr. Mays brilliantly makes accessible the knowledge of how Native, Black,

and Afro-Indigenous communities, under the oppressive projects of settler

colonialism and white supremacy, have navigated points of tension and harm,

while simultaneously revealing instances when we’ve resisted by way of

solidarity and allyship. Ultimately, he reminds us that both the ‘Indian

problem’ and the ‘Negro problem’ are, in fact, a white supremacist problem.”

—MELANIN MVSKOKE, Afro-Indigenous (Mvskoke Creek) activist

“Framed as an answer to questions in Mays’s life as well as in his scholarship,

this is a startlingly ambitious and deeply engaging study. Refusing to separate

two sprawling, interconnected stories but respecting the integrity of each,

Mays changes also the whole story of US whiteness as a system of thought and

power. A perfect book to be read in classes or given to friends who want to

understand the mess we are in and the resources of those who resist.”

—DAVID ROEDIGER, author of

How Race Survived US History

“



is is a bold and original narrative that is required reading to comprehend

the deep historical relationship between the Indigenous peoples who were

transported from Africa into chattel slavery and the Indigenous peoples who

were displaced by European settler colonialism to pro

ﬁ

t from the land and

resources, two parallel realities in search of self-determination and justice.”

—ROXANNE DUNBAR-ORTIZ, author of

An Indigenous Peoples’ History of

the United States

“Only twenty years ago, Kyle Mays’s voice wouldn’t even have passed through

academia’s and media’s gatekeepers.



e fact that a voice like this can be heard

today and tell his own story is unexpected great news for America .



. and it’s

just the beginning.”

—RAOUL PECK, director of

I Am Not Your Negro

and

Exterminate All the

Brutes

“A bold, innovative, and astute analysis of how Blackness and Indigeneity have

been forged as distinct yet overlapping social locations through the needs of

capital, the logic of the nation-state, and the aims of US empire. While we

know that slavery and settler colonialism are intricately linked, Kyle Mays

uniquely demonstrates that the a



erlives of these two institutions are also

linked.



ey provide the land, bodies, and capital for ‘newer’ systems of

bondage to

ﬂ

ourish, such as mass incarceration. You will never think of the

peoples’ history the same way a



er reading

An A



o-Indigenous History of the

United States.”

—ROBIN D. G. KELLEY, author of

Freedom Dreams:



e Black Radical

Imagination

253

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FAQs of An Afro Indigenous History Of The United States

What themes are explored in An Afro Indigenous History of the United States?

An Afro Indigenous History of the United States delves into themes of colonialism, racial identity, and resistance. It examines how Indigenous and Black communities have historically interacted and resisted oppression, particularly in the context of settler colonialism and white supremacy. The book emphasizes the shared struggles for justice and self-determination faced by these groups, illustrating the interconnectedness of their histories. Mays also addresses contemporary issues arising from these historical contexts, making it relevant for understanding current social dynamics.

How does Kyle T. Mays connect the histories of Indigenous peoples and African Americans?

Kyle T. Mays connects the histories of Indigenous peoples and African Americans by highlighting their parallel experiences of displacement and oppression. He argues that the narratives of these groups are intertwined, particularly through the lens of settler colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade. Mays illustrates how both communities have faced systemic injustices and have engaged in mutual support and resistance against these forces. This connection challenges traditional historical narratives that often separate these experiences, offering a more holistic understanding of American history.

What is the significance of solidarity between Black and Indigenous communities in this book?

The significance of solidarity between Black and Indigenous communities in An Afro Indigenous History of the United States is underscored as a critical response to shared oppression. Mays illustrates how these communities have historically supported one another in their struggles against colonialism and racism. This solidarity is portrayed not only as a means of survival but also as a powerful form of resistance that challenges dominant narratives of division. The book argues that understanding this solidarity is essential for addressing contemporary social justice issues and fostering unity in the fight against systemic injustices.

What methodology does Mays use to analyze Afro-Indigenous histories?

Mays employs a multidisciplinary approach to analyze Afro-Indigenous histories, integrating historical analysis, critical race theory, and Indigenous studies. He draws upon a variety of sources, including historical documents, oral histories, and contemporary accounts, to construct a narrative that respects the integrity of both Indigenous and Black experiences. This methodology allows him to highlight the complexities and nuances of their interconnected histories, providing a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political dynamics at play. Mays's approach emphasizes the importance of viewing these histories through a lens that acknowledges their interdependence.