Medgar and Myrlie is a biography that tells the story of a pivotal moment in American history, the struggle for civil rights in the 1960s. The book is about two heroes, Medgar Evers and Myrlie Evers, who were instrumental in fighting for the rights of African Americans in the face of immense danger and oppression.
Medgar Evers was a young man who became involved in the civil rights movement at a very early age. He met his wife, Myrlie, at college, and they fell in love and got married just one year later. Medgar became the field secretary for the Mississippi branch of the NAACP, which meant he was responsible for organizing protests and rallies against the racism and segregation that was prevalent in the south. Myrlie supported him every step of the way, working alongside him to fight against the suffering of their people. Together, they faced many challenges, including private bombings, murders, and intimidation tactics. The couple bravely stood by their principles, even when faced with violence and danger. They fought for the right to go to the same schools, use the same restrooms, and eat at the same restaurants as white people. They also worked on the desegregation of the University of Mississippi, a well-known institution at the time.
On June 12, 1963, Medgar Evers was tragically assassinated in his driveway by members of the Ku Klux Klan. His death was a devastating blow to the civil rights movement, but Myrlie refused to stop fighting. She continued to work tirelessly for justice, writing a book about Medgar's fight, running for public office, and becoming a leader in the NAACP. Joy-Ann Reid's book is a tribute to Medgar and Myrlie's courage and dedication to their cause. It shines a light on a period of American history that is often forgotten, but whose impact is still deeply felt today. The book shows how the struggle for civil rights was not just a distant memory, but something that continues to affect our lives today.
As I turned the pages of this remarkable book, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and gratitude for the brave individuals who fought for a better tomorrow. The story of Medgar Evers and Myrlie Evers is one of love, courage, and sacrifice, a testament to the power of two people who stood up for what they believed in, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
I was deeply moved by the way the author has woven together the intricate threads of Medgar's early life, his marriage to Myrlie, and his tireless work for the civil rights movement. As I read, I couldn't help but think of my own family, my own community, and the struggles that we often take for granted. The Evers' story is a powerful reminder that the fight for equality and justice is not just someone else's problem, but our own. It is a call to action, a reminder that we all have a role to play in creating a more just and compassionate world. The book shares the intimate details of the Evers' personal struggles, from the private bombings and murders that Medgar faced, to the brutal intimidation tactics of the Ku Klux Klan. But it also shares the love, the laughter, and the moments of triumph that sustained them through the darkest of times. Through their story, we see the human side of the civil rights movement, a side that is often overlooked in favor of more dramatic headlines.
The author's masterful storytelling brings this pivotal moment in American history to life, shedding light on a period that is often forgotten. Yet, the impact of the Evers' struggle is still deeply felt today. We see it in the protests, the marches, and the movements that continue to shape our world. We see it in the eyes of the activists, the organizers, and the ordinary people who are fighting for justice and equality. The Evers' story reminds us that the struggle is not just a distant memory, but a living, breathing reality that requires our attention, our effort, and our compassion. As I closed the book, I felt a sense of hope and determination, a sense that we can create a better world, a world that is more just, more equal, and more loving.
Rating: 4.2 / 5.0
This biography is a powerful tribute to the courageous lives of Medgar and Myrlie Evers, two heroes who fought tirelessly for the rights of African Americans in the face of overwhelming danger and oppression. The book sheds light on a pivotal moment in American history, the struggle for civil rights in the 1960s, and shows how the impact of that struggle is still deeply felt today. As I read, I felt a sense of awe and gratitude for the brave individuals who fought for a better tomorrow, and I couldn't help but think of my own family, my own community, and the struggles that we often take for granted. The book shares the intimate details of the Evers' personal struggles, from the private bombings and murders that Medgar faced, to the love and laughter that sustained them through the darkest of times. The author's masterful storytelling brings this pivotal moment in American history to life, reminding us that the struggle for equality and justice is not just someone else's problem, but our own.