Williams and Beard are both writers and editors who have specialized in civil rights and African-American history, and they have written this catalog of major human rights events that correspond to each day of the year. Written for general audiences, this volume contains single-page descriptions ranging from the Emancipation Proclamation (issued on January 1, 1863) to poet Charles McKay's response to race riots on December 31, 1919. An introductory essay from the authors analyzes the debate on how to define the scope and timeline of the modern Civil Rights Movement. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)