Lerone Bennett Jr. (October 17, 1928 – February 14, 2018) was an African-American scholar, author and social historian. He was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He was known for his analysis of race relations in the United States. His best-known works include "Before the Mayflower" (1962) and "Forced into Glory" (2000), a book about U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. He was an editor for "Ebony".