Against the Tide is a true story that captures the fear and hardships faced by African Americans during a disturbing time in American history - the post-Reconstruction period that led to the introduction of Jim Crow laws. Through hard work and determination, Hansford C. Bayton would rise from humble beginnings to become the captain and owner of five ex c ursion and mail delivery steamboats that plied the Rappahannock River during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Unusual for an African American, he would acquire wealth and the respect of both blacks and whites . Ne v ertheless, his boats were burned one by one. But with each malicious burning , and with lynchings on the rise , he would build again. This book illuminates a time in American h i story when the surge of progress made by freedmen was sharply curtailed through the enactment of segregation laws and the activities of the Ku Klux Klan . As a result Hansford C. Bayton died poor, but his story is one of dignified courage and determination when faced with overwhelming odds. Truly, he was a man who swam against the tide. About the Author Julie Sullivan is a passionate advocate for improved access to education for children in Africa. As president of a small not-for-profit organization, she sent over 1,000 volunteer educators overseas to address issues of poverty and inequity through education. Julie has a doctorate in international development from Tulane University and she lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with her husband, Alan. What People Are Saying Against the Tide by Julie Sullivan is a wonderful read about the will and drive of herfamily in the 1900s at the height of reconstruction and Jim Crow America . It is a book that each of us should take the time to read. This book gives us a look into th e racist past and what i t took for determined families to be successful, This wa s a t i me when there w erefew op ti onsfor blackpeople i n Amer i ca. I salute Miss Sullivan for her co u rage to speak truth topower and to t ell the story that would shame many American people toda y . Bravo! - Caliph Shaquel, Director of the Documentar y , " What Happened to Kendrick Johnson ? " *** Often the story of the South is either misinterpreted o r misunderstood. JH Sulli v an has w r itt e n an engrossing history about her African American great gra n dfather that i lluminates ap eri od of history we all should strive to know better. - Eamon M. Kelly, P r esident Emeritus of Tulane University