opening of this volume begins with a detailed examination of the history of Negro education in America, highlighting the challenges and obstacles faced by Black individuals in pursuing education throughout different historical periods. The text discusses the early efforts to educate Negroes, ranging from private initiatives in colonial times to significant developments post-Civil War, including the role of various religious and philanthropic organizations. It emphasizes the contrasting educational opportunities provided to Black children compared to their white counterparts, as well as the gradual progress achieved despite systemic obstacles. Overall, the opening sets a scholarly tone for the journal, establishing critical themes of education and racial dynamics that resonate throughout the volume. (This is an automatically generated summary.)