Derek B. Hankerson & Judith Y. Shearer Launch Book on the Misunderstood Confederacy Told by Descendants of the South

Nearly 150 years after the end of the American Civil War, South Carolina removed the Confederate flag from its capital. How does the assumed racial meaning change when we learn about the numerous African American soldiers who fought to defend the Confederate flag?

In "Belonging: The Civil War's South We Never Knew" author Derek Hankerson explores the motives and history of Confederate soldiers. While many assume the conflict was consumed by the illegalization of slavery, this historical novel discusses alternative ideologies.

"This more realistic analysis of Confederate soldiers presents an untold perspective about why many soldiers chose to fight for the South," Hankerson said.

Hankerson, a lecturer at two Florida universities, is a direct descendant of Gullah Geechee. Hankerson's co-author, Judith Shearer, was a previously published author of "All Bones Be White," a description of a trial involving Geechee. Shearer passed away November 11, 2015, in Dunedin, Florida.

"Judy was extremely dedicated to her historical work involving the American Civil War," Hankerson said. "Her memory lives on through her books."

For more information, visit judyshearer.com.

Belonging: The Civil War's South We Never Knew
By: Derek B. Hankerson & Judith Y. Shearer
ISBN: 978-1-4808-2000-5
Available in softcover, hardcover, e-book
Available online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Archway Publishing

About the author
Because of their deep understanding and interest in family and American history, authors Derek Hankerson and the late Judith Shearer collaborated to document the stories of the Confederate army. Shearer's descendants were slave owners, and Hankerson's were slaves. Hankerson has produced many film documentaries about the American Civil War. He currently lives in Jacksonville.