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Crusaders in the Courts: Legal Battles of the Civil Rights Movement, Anniversary Edition

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This book is the only one written by a lawyer who argued in Brown v. Board of Education. Before his 28th birthday, Jack Greenberg argued the first of more than 40 cases before the Supreme Court of the United States. Starting as Thurgood Marshall's assistant, he became Marshall's chosen successor as head of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. His cases involved sit-ins and freedom riders, school segregation, capital punishment and affirmative action. He represented Martin Luther King in Birmingham and in his march from Selma to Montgomery. Much more than a book about the law, "Crusaders" describes the personalities, inter-organizational conflicts,and the conflict within the Legal Defense Fund over his refusal to represent Angela Davis. It also discusses the boycott of his class at Harvard Law School by black students because he was white, It includes new material about school integration of Roma (Gypsies) in Eastern Europe, the Supreme Court's recent affirmative action decisions, and his observations about schools today and their failure to educate black children. A fascinating analysis about how law develops and a good read.

If you're interested in attending law school, if you're interested in the story of the civil rights movement, if you're looking for inspiration, if you're in search of a calling, if you enjoy drama or comedy, or if you simply enjoy a good book -- read Crusaders in the Courts. I was moved, outraged and inspired. Jack Greenberg brings the journey of these brave men and women (including himself) to life. The book is written very well and it is very accessible. If you're a teacher, tell your students to read this book. If you're a parent, your children should read it. The book puts the movement in perspective and introduces a whole new generation to the wonders of a band of lawyers committed to changing the future.