The official site of William Loren Katz and Black Indians

William Loren Katz (June 2, 1927 – October 25, 2019) had a rich, prolific life, dedicating himself to exposing important, yet hidden, parts of American history. He wrote forty books revealing the authentic stories of African Americans, Native Americans and other disempowered groups. I, as his wife, marveled at his passion, perseverance and productivity, learning so much about truth telling and social justice.

Great News: New Edition of the Black West!

The Black West

Inspired by a conversation William Loren Katz had with Langston Hughes, The Black West presents long-neglected stories of daring pioneers such as Nat Love (Deadwood Dick) and Mary Fields (Stagecoach Mary). New Edition published in 2019.

3 New Editions of His Books Are Coming Out Soon!

Breaking the Chains book cover

Breaking the Chains

The sturdy offspring of Black-Indian marriages shaped the early days of the fur trade, added a new dimension to frontier diplomacy, and made a daring contribution to the fight for American liberty. New edition from Seven Stories Press coming out in December 2023.

Black Women of the Old West book cover

Black Women of the Old West

This book traces how African American women challenged white bigotry, labored to create new lives and ultimately helped to transform sparse frontier settlements into thriving [western] states.  New, revised edition expected to be published by Chicago Review Press in 2024.

Black Legacy: A History of New York’s African Americans

This book traces New York City’s Black legacy from Dutch Governor Peter Minuit to Mayor David Dinkins and reveals how people of color built today’s New York while they fought to end slavery and discrimination. New, updated edition expected to be published by Seven Stories Press in 2024.

The William Loren Katz Collection

 

In 2024, the papers and manuscripts of William Loren Katz will be brought to the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. His collection will be accessible to the public in their reading room. All you need to do is make an appointment, and you will be able to review his material and have a window into his sources and research approach.