In Self-Liberation of Parson Sykes: Return to Southampton County by David Jeremiah Mason, Parson enlists in 1864 and joins the 1st USCT Cavalry, seeing civil-military programs, including the Office of Superintendent of Black Affairs led by Orlando Brown, Horace James, and C. B. Wilder. He meets Sergeant Richard Etheridge, who explains deployment plans and military governance. Parson witnesses USCT movements to Texas under XXV Corps, and observes battles like Palmito Ranch, troop logistics, and efforts to establish Lincoln University. He monitors Freedmen’s Bureau operations under Major Generals Howard and Brown, aiding freedpeople. Parson returns to Fort Monroe, coordinates labor contracts with Jacob Williams, steers through Reconstruction Acts and voter registration, Klan violence, and federal enforcement, while pursuing land, education, and hoping for a life with Frances Sykes.

Self-Liberation of Parson Sykes: Return to Southampton County by David Jeremiah Mason delivers an extraordinary account of Reconstruction through the eyes of Parson, who enlists in the 1st USCT Cavalry and engages directly with the social, political, and civic transformations in Virginia. Readers follow his involvement with a whole host of individuals. I found the most impressive depictions of the many Mason shares to be Solomon, Louisa, and other formerly enslaved people. Much of what is written about is sadly relevant today, especially concerning voter registration, labor contracts, education, and legal protections, as well as the persistent efforts of an insurgent supremacy group. The historical details are immense, and Mason is extensive in offering detailed portrayals of the time and Parson’s collaborations, family life, and community contributions. Overall, this is a hugely educational, inspiring account of Reconstruction-era Virginia and the steadfast dedication of Black Americans asserting their rights.

Self-Liberation of Parson Sykes: Return to Southampton County by David Jeremiah Mason is the third book in the trilogy that tells the story of Parson Sykes, Mason's great-grandfather, who was enslaved in Virginia and later escaped during the Civil War with his brothers. It shows his life journey after he escaped and enlisted in the Union Army and became part of the XXV Corps of the United States Colored Troops. Mason shares his life as a soldier, his fight for freedom, and his return to Southampton County during the time of Reconstruction. Parson's story shows the challenges Black people faced and the government's efforts to make amends. It shows how Black families tried to build new lives by starting schools, forming churches, buying land, and taking part in politics, even though there was constant resistance from white supremacy.

This book is heartfelt, detailed, and engaging. Aside from Parson's life story, Mason clearly shows the big political changes and small, everyday challenges and victories that emancipated people faced. Parson is a great inspiration to me. He was not just a soldier but someone who stood strong for his community despite the hardships. I found this book to be educational; I learned a lot about the past and how equality among people, despite race, came about. I enjoyed reading about the Ku Klux Klan, the Black Codes, and their way of operating. The details about the Reconstruction laws, Freedmen’s Bureau, and the fight over civil rights really stood out to me. I love it when books are well organized and edited, and this was a job well done. I recommend Self-Liberation of Parson Sykes: Return to Southampton County by David Jeremiah Mason to readers who love detailed, well-researched books that discuss freedom and the challenges Blacks faced in the past.