BookBrowse Reviews Mighty Justice by Dovey Johnson Roundtree , Katie McCabe

BookBrowse:

This memoir chronicles the fascinating life of Dovey Johnson Roundtree, a civil rights attorney whose legal victories include the first major win against segregated transportation in the Jim Crow South.

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What it's about:
Dovey Johnson Roundtree was one of two lawyers who won the landmark case "Sarah Keys v. Carolina Bus Company," ending Jim Crow practices on interstate bus routes in the South. She experienced and fought misogyny and racism throughout her life, persevering despite periods of ill health and great grief. Ms. Roundtree took on some truly interesting cases, including the successful defense of a man accused of killing a Washington socialite (it was later revealed that the woman had been JFK's mistress) (Suzette P). In this remarkable book, the late Dovey Johnson Roundtree and her collaborator Katie McCabe present the history of the U.S. civil rights movement pre- and post-Brown v. Board of Education, in a way that helped me understand both the struggle and the U.S. Constitution. In her long, distinguished and inspiring career, she was present for the great moments we've all studied in school, as well as the low points when it looked like desegregation of public schools, interstate transportation and even the United States Armed Forces would never happen (Julia A).

Many readers found Roundtree to be an inspiration:
Dovey Roundtree is an inspiration, especially for African Americans and women. It is inexcusable that she is virtually unknown and past time for that to change (Sally H). Her story is full of heart. She conveys her love and gratitude for the people who inspired and mentored her, especially the professor who advised her to 'pass it on.' Clearly Roundtree lived this ideal all her life. Her struggle for justice for all continues to inspire us today (Lynn D). Dovey Roundtree's perseverance in her life, against great odds, led her to strive for justice in the courts, and for women's rights (Nancy M).  This remarkable woman deserves to be raised to a higher level of recognition than she holds now. Brava, Ms. Roundtree for standing up for freedom for all Americans; she has set a powerful example of what one person can accomplish. She is an inspiration for all women (Joan V).

And were surprised at having never heard her story before:
I had never heard of Ms. Roundtree prior to reading this book, which is a great shame considering that I'm a lawyer myself. While I had studied "Brown v. Board of Education" in law school, never have I read such an inspiring description of the impact of the Supreme Court's ruling on the lives of Black Americans. (Suzette P). I had never heard of Dovey Johnson Roundtree before I read Mighty Justice. What a life she had! (Joan V).

In addition to being a great story, readers found Roundtree and McCabe's writing to be compelling:
This book is mesmerizing, compelling and absolutely un-put-downable. The behind-the-scenes descriptions of the courtroom battles against Jim Crow and segregation are fascinating, and the entire story is told with such warmth that it reads like a novel (Sally H). Mighty Justice is a well written, well researched and powerful book (Susan U). Once you start to read her biography you won't be able to put it down. It's very readable and very fast-paced, especially her descriptions of the courtroom scenes (Joan V).

It was singled out as a particularly good option for book clubs due to the social and political issues raised:
The book will be appreciated by anyone who lived during this time, and it would be a great read for book club discussion. I would highly recommend this book to my group of friends (Windell H). I absolutely enjoyed the book, and I would recommend it to book clubs for the conversation it will stimulate, particularly in this time when some of the old Jim Crow South attitudes seem to be gaining strength (Susan U). I highly recommend this book and think it would make for engaging discussions for book clubs. This remarkable woman deserves to be raised to a higher level of recognition (Joan V). This book would make an excellent selection for any book group, as the issues contained in it are still prevalent in society today. Great story! (Diane H).

This review first ran in the October 30, 2019 issue of BookBrowse Recommends.