I loved reading this book, as it was filled with exciting, terrifying events that actually happened back in the “glory days” of the KKK. The KKK, long recognized as one of history’s most recognizable extremist groups, terrorist groups and hate groups, grew into a membership of millions strong back in the early 1900s, in the short decades after the emancipation act freed the slaves from the south. They created terror throughout the South mainly against Blacks, and other ethnic minorities (Jews), whom they deemed undesirable and less than human. Lynchings were common event back in the day, and thousands of Blacks lost their lives hanging from the end of a noose, in an almost celebratory event that brought out the townspeople to watch the public hangings.
Even though the KKK has been diminished in size and strength over the years, there are still remnants of it throughout the USA and the white supremacist groups and hate groups at spring up from time to time. There are still many “sundown towns” throughout a lot of rural areas in America, where ethnic groups and minorities, still catch a lot of flak and harassment from the locals for being part of the community.
The author, does a great job of bringing a lot of these true life events, back to life and helping us to relive and realize that this was a horrible time in American history.
Many decent, law-abiding citizens, play that role during the day, but at night, they would don the trademark KKK hood and robes, and set out to terrorize communities all through the south.
This is a part of American history, that “we” don’t like to talk about a whole lot, but we need to know our history, in order, not to repeat it.
A great book if you like history, and sometimes enjoy looking at the “ugly underside” of American history as well.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
