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Diane H. (Leawood, KS)
True Inspiration
I am so grateful to have received an advance copy of "Mighty Justice". The story of Dovey Roundtree is one that will stay in my memory for years to come. Dovey Roundtree was a pioneer who overcame so many obstacles to accomplish the things she did as a teacher, a lawyer and a minister.
The story is beautifully written and, in my opinion, should be compulsory reading in every history class. Katie McCabe, through her writing, brings to life the story of Dovey Roundtree. This book would make an excellent selection for any book group as the issues contained in it are ones that are still prevalent in society today.
Great story!
Suzette P. (Chicago, IL)
Mighty Woman
This memoir is alternately inspiring and disquieting, as the author relates her childhood with her formidable grandmother, her school years being mentored by other great women, including Mary McLeod Bethune, her groundbreaking work in the military during WWII, and her career as a civil rights lawyer and later minister, always giving credit to those that helped her. She fought against Jim Crow her entire life, and was one of two lawyers who eventually won the landmark case "Sarah Keys v. Carolina Bus Company", ending Jim Crow practices on bus routes in the South. I had never heard of Ms. Roundtree prior to reading this book, which is a great shame considering that I'm a lawyer myself. 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), and the representation of a man in a divorce matter who later killed his ex-wife and a doctor and shot others in a jealous rage. 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. There are certain great people who pave the way for others and make life better for many and Ms. Roundtree is one of those people. And, boy, can she write! Katie McCabe is the co-author and the two have created an important work that has relevance to today's events. One cannot read this book without thinking of the racism still prevalent, including the white supremacist march in Virginia in 2018 and the countless other indignities and crimes against people of color. (My reading copy lacks the foreword by Tayari Jones, who wrote "An American Marriage" - I'm really looking forward to reading that when the book is published!) Highly recommended.
Julia A. (New York, NY)
A Deeply Personal History of the Civil Rights Movement
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 made me understand both the struggle and the U.S. Constitution in new ways. It also caused me to question the deficits in my own education, in that I had up to this point never read or heard anything about Ms. Roundtree. In her long, distinguished, and inspiring career, she was present for the great moments we've all studied in school, as well as at the low points when it looked like desegregation of public schools, interstate transportation, and even the United States Armed Forces would never happen. Roundtree didn't live to see the publication of this book (she died in 2018 at age 104), but this reader hopes that the book will give accord her her rightful place in history, and will become required reading for those who would understand the underpinnings of the quest for equal rights, and who would acknowledge how far we still have to go. This is on balance a truly wonderful book, even as it lays open thoughts about all that is left to do to make the vision a reality.
Rosemary C. (Golden, CO)
A trailblazing life
Dovey Roundtree's account of her life is an excellent read. Writing in her nineties, she shows profound reflection on how her childhood formed her and led her to take on racism and sexism throughout her working life-and thereafter. This would be a good book club assignment, especially for those interested in history and law. Dovey's life is an inspiration and the tone of her story makes we wish I'd known her.
Joyce W. (Rochester, MN)
This is a must read
If you only read one more book about a black woman fighting for equal rights, you have to read this one. Dovey's determination and drive are amazing. Her life shows how a good mentor can propel a person's life; and how important it is to have a loving, nurturing home life. She not only became a lawyer but also a pastor and mentor for others. Mighty Justice is very well written and the explanation regarding "separate but equal" really clarified why there was such a battle over it. I will share this book with my reader friends.
Vivian H. (Winchester, VA)
Inspiring Story of a Civil Rights Heroine
Wow! Dovey Roundtree's story drew me into to her world from the first pages describing her childhood in Jim Crow North Carolina, raised by an amazing grandmother who never allowed the degradation and torment she experienced quell her determination to ensure her granddaughters were educated. Dovey's story introduced me to activists with which I was unfamiliar who worked within the system, with the assistance of Eleanor Roosevelt to change the status quo and create an Army officers training program for women of color. Ms. Roundtree was specifically selected for the first class. The distinction she subsequently achieved as a lawyer is a must read for anybody interested in 20th Century American history, women who helped change America, and the determination of activists that lead to the passing of the Civil Rights Act. It is hard to imagine where we as a nation would be today without Dovey Roundtree.
Marion C. (Peabody, MA)
My Life in Civil Rights
Mighty Justice recounts the life of lawyer Dovey Johnson Roundtree in her battle with Civil Rights. I cannot recommend this book enough as my outlook towards Civil Rights movement has matured. The writing style is exquisite because I found myself reading throughout the night to see if the Supreme Court found for Dovey Johnson Rountree or stayed caught up in the "separate but equal" falsehood that governed the country in the 1950s and 1960s. The writing makes you think and realize how newspapers exaggerate news. Yes, this compelling book will open your eyes to the lack of parenting styles that may be contributing to our troubles today.
Joan V. (Miller Place, NY)
What an outstanding woman
I would rate this book a ten if I could. It's one of the best biographies I've ever read.
I had never heard of Dovey Johnson Roundtree before I read "Mighty Justice." What a life she had!! 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 her courtroom sections.
Mrs. Roundtree was a descent of slaves and was born in Charlotte, NC during the height of the vicious Jim Crow era. She was influenced by her Grandmother who instilled in her that she was just as good as anyone else and also a strong work ethic that drove Dovey to success (excel) at everything she did.
She attended Spelman College on a scholarship and worked several jobs to pay her way. She went on to become one of the first black woman to enter the WAACs during WWII – only 30 women were accepted into the first WAACs and she rose to the rank of Captain.
She earned her law degree from Howard University where only a handful of women were in her class and later in life, she became a minister. She handled some high-profile cases which helped to defeat the Jim Crow laws and broke the barriers for women as well as blacks.
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 than she holds now. Brava Mrs. 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.