Illustrated with dozens of rare photographs and enlivened by scores of dramatic stories, this handsome hardcover book will serves as a basic reference for years to come. It preserves the family histories of 107 Tampa Bay area pioneers and includes a comprehensive index for easy access to more than 2,000 individual names.

Former Tampa Mayor Dick Greco wrote of it: "“The stories of Tampa-area African American pioneers are tales of compelling drama, courage, determination, and sacrifice. Yet, much of the vital information contained in this volume has become available to us only with this publication. This achievement is long overdue and most welcome."