This volume on FBI files on Blacks, like the other four on Mexicans and Chicanos plus the one on Puerto Ricans, are treasures. 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 action 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 — 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 political freedom and freedom of expression for 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, 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?