Raymond Arsenault

Raymond Arsenault is one of the most prolific and highly acclaimed authors in America today. He has published more than forty books, covering a wide range of topics such as civil rights, the South, and the history of American cities. His works are acclaimed for their depth and resonance and for the insight that he brings to otherwise overlooked episodes in American history.

Raymond was born in Renton, Washington, to Dorothy and Robert Arsenault. After high school he attended Pomona College in California where he majored in history and earned his Bachelor’s degree in 1964. He then went on to complete a Master’s degree in African-American Studies at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in 1969.

One of Raymond’s earliest works, Freedom Riders: 1961 and the Struggle for Racial Justice (2006) explores how a small band of civil rights activists—known as the Freedom Riders—confronted the Southern system of unequal racial justice. Drawing on interviews with the Riders and other primary sources, the book recounts the riders’ successful (if dangerous) attempt to integrate buses and other modes of public transportation in the Deep South. For the book, Raymond earned the prestigious Southern Book Award.

Raymond has also written acclaimed works examining American cities and the American South, such as The Sound of Freedom: Marian Anderson, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Concert That Awakened America (2009). The book centers on Marian Anderson’s legendary performance at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939. By spotlighting this previously overlooked episode of social change, the book offers an insightful look at the power of civil rights activism in the 20th century.

Another of Raymond’s works, Florida’s Stormy Past: Four Centuries of Disaster Management (2006), explores Florida’s attempts to deal with natural disasters, such as hurricanes and fires. Drawing on archival sources, the book paints a vivid portrait of Florida’s struggles to manage these events over the years.

Raymond has also published books on civil rights landmarks like The Airportside Journey: A History of the International Civil Rights Movement (2008) and Reflections on the 1960s: From Black Power to Vietnam (2008). Drawing on interviews and other primary sources, the books provide a comprehensive overview of the civil rights movement, from grassroots activism to the major policy changes enacted in the wake of civil rights victories.

In addition to his writing, Raymond has a long record of public service. He is a past president of the Florida Historical Society and currently serves on the boards of several historical organizations. He has also lectured at numerous universities, including Pomona College and the University of Massachusetts.

Raymond Arsenault is an important voice in the study of American history. His works—which are often praised for their thorough research and high-quality writing—have shed light on previously overlooked topics of civil rights and Southern history. His dedication to social justice and his commitment to public service make him an inspirational figure worthy of our admiration.