“While the chief aim of Educating the Masses is to venerate the legacy of several generations of dedicated black educators, the last three chapters of the book set out a poignant reminder, a chilling warning, and a continuing challenge for all citizens of Arkansas. . . . The challenge, of course, is to continue to follow the example of the black educators celebrated in this volume in working for an educational system that will provide both quality and opportunity to all young Arkansans.” —Thomas C. Kennedy, Arkansas Historical Quarterly “An arresting account of professional dedication which, although long confronted by unremitting racial adversity, has resulted today in remarkable progress in public education in Arkansas. Professors Smith and Joshua have rendered a valuable service with their comp-rehensive history.” —David Levering Lewis, author of W. E. B. Du Bois: Biography of a Race, 1868–1919 and W. E. B. Du Bois: The Fight for Equality and the American Century, 1919–1963 (both Henry Holt & Co.), winners of the Pulitzer Prize for biography in 1994 and 2001. “A compelling social history . . . a story of triumph over incredible adversity.” —John Graves, author of Town and Country: Race Relations in an Urban-Rural Context, Arkansas, 1865–1905 (Arkansas, 1991)