This volume on FBI files on Blacks, like the other four on Mexicans and Chicanos, plus the one on Puerto Ricans, is a treasure. I will find a way to use them in my language classes. Given to us by José Angel Gutiérrez, activist, scholar, and lawyer, this one is also rich in detail, references, argument, and history. Somehow, he manages to combine illegal government actions with civil rights history into succinct chapters on well-known names. It is so aptly titled Hidden Histories because, but for this book and the others he has written using FBI files, the nefarious work of the FBI would indeed remain hidden. Being a naturalized citizen, I have learned so much from him about Mexicans and Chicanos, and now African Americans. Thank you, Dr. Gutiérrez.

Hidden Histories is an important contribution to our understanding of how a seemingly democratic and free society spied on and used intimidation tactics to restrict the political freedom and freedom of expression of African Americans. Throughout our history, we have learned about secret police and illegal spying by the KGB in Russia and Mossad in Israel. Dr. Gutiérrez provides convincing evidence that the FBI was just as devious and evil as those organizations. The fact that the FBI spied on such luminaries as Joe Louis, Jackie Robinson, and even Betty Shabazz, the widow of Malcolm X, is a chilling indictment of the federal government’s pettiness and fear of unity among African Americans. After reading this book, one has to wonder, will the USA ever live up to its alleged principles of democracy and freedom for all, not just some.

On Vol. I, An easy to read delivery. Reads like a diary or journal. Most of the content is unique. Events (of the Raza Unida Party) are presented sequentially and concurrently. Excellent details about the people, strategies, and execution.

On Vol II. The fictionalized text of Volume II was a comprehensive and detailed playbook for activism...a remarkable blending of biographical and fictional writing; very engaging... embedded were multiple civic lessons, e.g. electoral college and voter registration. The goal of creating Aztlan was concrete and on target.

On Vols. I-III. All three volumes are like a book of recipes for political and economic empowerment. The many action plans put into play gave those involved with the Raza Unida Party lots of leverage and facilitated their self-determination. This last volume is so imaginative as to what the Chicano Nation of Aztlan would be like. Powerful and attention grabbing from page 1 to the end. Strongly recommended for those who are bilingual and need practice reading Chicano Spanish.