Overview
In this paradigm-shattering work of American history, Caleb Gayle recounts the extraordinary tale of Edward McCabe, a Black man who had the audacious idea to create a state within the Union governed by and for Black people -- and the racism, politics, and greed that thwarted him.
As the sweeping changes brought by the Civil War and Reconstruction began to wither, racism and white anger at the opportunities available to newly freed Black people were on the rise. As a result, both Blacks and whites searched for new places to settle.That was when Edward McCabe, a Black businessman with political ambitions, set in motion his plans to found a state within the Union for Black people to live in and govern. His chosen site: Oklahoma, a place that the U.S. government had deeded to Indigenous people in the 1830s when it forced thousands of them to leave their homes in what's known as the Trail of Tears.
McCabe lobbied politicians in Washington, D.C., Kansas, and elsewhere as he exhorted Black people to move to Oklahoma to achieve their dreams of self-determination and land ownership. His rising profile as a leader and spokesman for Black people as well as his willingness to confront white politicians led him to become known as Black Moses. And like his Biblical counterpart, McCabe nearly made it to the Promised Land but was ultimately foiled by politics, business interests, and the growing ambitions of white settlers who also wanted to settle the land.
In Black Moses, Gayle brings to vivid life the world of Edward McCabe: the Black people who believed in his dream of a Black state; the white politicians who didn't; and the larger challenges of confronting the racism and exclusion that bedeviled Black people's attempts to carve a place in America for themselves. Gayle draws from extraordinary research and reporting to reveal an America that almost was.
This book title, Black Moses (A Saga of Ambition and the Fight for a Black State), ISBN: 9780593543795, by Caleb Gayle, published by Penguin Publishing Group (August 12, 2025) is available in hardcover. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.
Unlike Amazon and other retailers who may also offer Black Moses (A Saga of Ambition and the Fight for a Black State) books on their website, we specialize in large quantities and provide personal service, from trusted, experienced, friendly people in Portland, Oregon. We offer a Price Match Guarantee, and QuickQuote form, to make purchasing quick and easy.
Prefer to work with a human being when you order Black Moses (A Saga of Ambition and the Fight for a Black State) books in bulk? Our Book Specialists are standing by Monday-Friday 8-5 PST, ready to help!