Whaling Captains of Color: America's First Meritocracy
Discover the untold story of over 50 Black whaling captains who rose to leadership in 19th-century America through skill and merit alone. In an era when few opportunities existed for people of color, whaling emerged as one of the nation's first meritocratic industries—where a man's ability to navigate, lead, and hunt determined his advancement, not his race or connections. Based on archival research and interviews with descendants, Skip Finley reveals how these captains of color commanded ships on the high seas, trained in navigation and literacy while pursuing one of history's most dangerous occupations. From the rise of African American leaders to the eventual transition to Cape Verdean captains, this 304-page paperback traces whaling's evolution and the remarkable lives of those who shaped it.
By Skip Finley
Paperback: 304 pages
Language: English
6.14 x 0.71 x 9.13 inches
ISBN: 9781682478325
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