| Reviews |
This is a groundbreaking book that reorients our understanding of a surprisingly underexplored aspect of Robert Kennedy's life and career--race and civil rights--and sheds new light on race relations during a pivotal era of American history. Some readers, especially in our current racial moment, may be skeptical of Kennedy's importance, but Patricia Sullivan delivers a nuanced and informative portrait of Kennedy as one of the central players in the evolving drama of '60s-era race relations. He remains an iconic figure, with his assassination shortly after that of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., forever freezing his public image as a symbol of the unrealized potential of late-1960s politics., Groundbreaking...Revelatory...Sullivan proves a gifted storyteller who creates a sense of suspense as she unfolds this tumultuous history that continues to inform our present., [An] exhaustively researched and systematically written biography...Sullivan arrives at a fresh analysis of the era and of the possibilities for substantive change, then and now., A fine-grained, compelling study of Kennedy evolving as a leader through his engagement with the deeply intertwined issues of civil rights, the urban crisis, and poverty., Justice Rising is a profound and uplifting account of Robert F. Kennedy's brave crusade for racial equality. This is narrative history at its absolute finest, with RFK squarely at the center of the 1960s civil rights movement along with Martin Luther King Jr., James Baldwin, César Chávez, and other fearless activists. Bare-knuckled, with a golden heart, RFK was a visionary force to reckon with. This towering biographical portrait will stand the test of time. Highly recommended!, A distillation of the motivations and importance of Robert F. Kennedy's life and legacy...Effectively shows why Kennedy, who cared deeply about the plights of his fellow citizens, was beloved by millions...A sharp portrayal of the potential of the 1960s through the lens of RFK., A nuanced and deeply researched portrait of Robert Kennedy's engagement with the civil rights movement as attorney general, U.S. senator, and presidential candidate...Sullivan makes a persuasive case that Kennedy played a crucial role in persuading white Americans to recognize the ill effects of racial discrimination. The result is an immersive and eye-opening history., [A] compelling story compellingly told...There are several biographies of Robert Kennedy by journalists, scholars, and former aides. Sullivan's work is different because, as the subtitle indicates, its focus is on Kennedy's concern for the freedom and equality of Black Americans., Justice Rising is a brilliant exploration of Robert Kennedy's deep immersion in the civil rights-Black Power movement. The interactions between RFK's public life and the wide-ranging racial reckoning of the 1960s come alive in new and compelling ways in this engrossing narrative. Equally impressive, this insightful work deepens our understanding of the intertwined political and racial worlds of the 1960s. It is a stunning achievement., Profoundly researched, vividly written, Justice Rising is a monumental reconsideration of RFK's bold vision and creative strategies in the bitter climate of white supremacy. As the struggle continues, this is the book we ALL need now!, [Sullivan] proposes that although Kennedy's time in the political arena was short, his legacy as an advocate for the underserved continues to resonate...This is the best work to date on Kennedy's civil rights record; it is a must for all historians of the 1960s, and for activists working for a more just society., This is a groundbreaking book that reorients our understanding of a surprisingly underexplored aspect of Robert Kennedy's life and career--race and civil rights--and sheds new light on race relations during a pivotal era of American history. Some readers, especially in our current racial moment, may be skeptical of Kennedy's importance, but Patricia Sullivan delivers a nuanced and informative portrait of Kennedy as one of the central players in the evolving drama of '60s-era race relations. He remains an iconic figure, with his assassination shortly after that of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. forever freezing his public image as a symbol of the unrealized potential of late-1960s politics., Justice Rising contributes to the historiography the civil rights movement through its examination of speeches, oral histories, and memoranda. Sullivan's brilliant analysis and exploration of the connections among the different personalities in this movement presents a beautifully written narrative that will serve students and scholars as they reconsider the role that Robert Kennedy played in this crucial period. |
| Synopsis |
A leading civil rights historian places Robert Kennedy for the first time at the center of the movement for racial justice of the 1960s--and shows how many of today's issues can be traced back to that pivotal time. History, race, and politics converged in the 1960s in ways that indelibly changed America. In Justice Rising , a landmark reconsideration of Robert Kennedy's life and legacy, Patricia Sullivan draws on government files, personal papers, and oral interviews to reveal how he grasped the moment to emerge as a transformational leader. When protests broke out across the South, the young attorney general confronted escalating demands for racial justice. What began as a political problem soon became a moral one. In the face of vehement pushback from Southern Democrats bent on massive resistance, he put the weight of the federal government behind school desegregation and voter registration. Bobby Kennedy's youthful energy, moral vision, and capacity to lead created a momentum for change. He helped shape the 1964 Civil Rights Act but knew no law would end racism. When the Watts uprising brought calls for more aggressive policing, he pushed back, pointing to the root causes of urban unrest: entrenched poverty, substandard schools, and few job opportunities. RFK strongly opposed the military buildup in Vietnam, but nothing was more important to him than "the revolution within our gates, the struggle of the American Negro for full equality and full freedom." On the night of Martin Luther King's assassination, Kennedy's anguished appeal captured the hopes of a turbulent decade: "In this difficult time for the United States it is perhaps well to ask what kind of nation we are and what direction we want to move in." It is a question that remains urgent and unanswered., "A profound and uplifting account of Robert F. Kennedy's brave crusade for racial equality. This is narrative history at its absolute finest, with RFK squarely at the center of the 1960s civil rights movement along with Martin Luther King Jr., James Baldwin, César Chávez, and other fearless activists. Bare-knuckled, with a golden heart, RFK was a visionary force to reckon with. This towering biographical portrait will stand the test of time." -Douglas Brinkley, author of Rosa Parks A leading civil rights historian places Robert Kennedy for the first time at the center of the movement for racial justice of the 1960s-and shows how many of today's issues can be traced back to that pivotal time. History, race, and politics converged in the 1960s in ways that indelibly changed America. In Justice Rising , a landmark reconsideration of Robert Kennedy's life and legacy, Patricia Sullivan draws on government files, personal papers, and oral interviews to reveal how he grasped the moment to emerge as a transformational leader. When protests broke out across the South, the young attorney general confronted escalating demands for racial justice. What began as a political problem soon became a moral one. In the face of vehement pushback from Southern Democrats bent on massive resistance, he put the weight of the federal government behind school desegregation and voter registration. Bobby Kennedy's youthful energy, moral vision, and capacity to lead created a momentum for change. He helped shape the 1964 Civil Rights Act but knew no law would end racism. When the Watts uprising brought calls for more aggressive policing, he pushed back, pointing to the root causes of urban unrest: entrenched poverty, substandard schools, and few job opportunities. RFK strongly opposed the military buildup in Vietnam, but nothing was more important to him than "the revolution within our gates, the struggle of the American Negro for full equality and full freedom." On the night of Martin Luther King's assassination, Kennedy's anguished appeal captured the hopes of a turbulent decade: "In this difficult time for the United States it is perhaps well to ask what kind of nation we are and what direction we want to move in." It is a question that remains urgent and unanswered., Bobby Kennedy wasn't the most visible figure in the civil rights movement, but his impact was transformative. As attorney general, he protected the Freedom Riders and turned the Justice Department from an enemy of civil rights into an enforcer of antiracist policies. Patricia Sullivan gives Kennedy his rightful place as a force for racial justice. |
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This powerful book dives deep into Robert Kennedy’s evolving role in the civil rights movement, offering fresh insights on his impact and America’s racial struggles. Patricia Sullivan’s thorough research and engaging writing bring history to life in a compelling way. Hard to put down—a must-read! Fair price, fast shipping, and great condition. Highly recommended!