MY SOUL IS RESTED: Movement Days in the Deep South Remembered

by Howell Raines ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 7, 1977

From the Rosa Parks bus incident in Montgomery to King's death in Memphis, recollections of the Movement by activists, agitators, and onlookers, lawyers and lawmen, Freedom Riders and Klansmen, reporters, schoolchildren, and devout segregationists--both reconciled and unrepentant. Concentrating on Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi, Raines interviewed hundreds and presents their comments in a connective tissue of introductory remarks and cross-referenced notes. Most of the backstage maneuvers are public knowledge now--Kennedy compliance in King's surveillance, publicity stunts, organizational and personal rivalries--but there are some minor items churned up: Bull Connors' deal for an exchange of powers, cunning ploys for a Martin Luther King dinner. Included are Fannie Lou Hamer on the Mississippi Summer Volunteers (""They treated us like we were special and we loved 'em""); Imperial Wizard Shelton, still hateful toward ""Martin Lucifer Coon""; Autherine Lucy recalling her lonely integration of the University of Alabama; and Andrew Young disclaiming King's willing participation (""he did not ambitiously pursue leadership""). Raines manages to preserve the texture of the language as well as vivid impressions of a time.

Pub Date: Sept. 7, 1977

ISBN: 0140067531

Page Count: -

Publisher: Putnam

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1977

Categories: NONFICTION