Clarence Lusane talks about The Black History of the White House, a historical narrative detailing the contributions of African Americans in the White House. He recounts little-known stories from such individuals as Oney Judge, slave to George and Martha Washington; and Paul Jennings, owned by James and Dolly Madison. The book explores emancipation, reconstruction, the civil rights movement and its aftermath, and contemporary issues arising from the Obama presidency. Lusane speaks of his formative childhood years, including his vivid memories of when his mother and sister were shot during a city-wide riot in Detroit in July of 1967.