The book is a harrowing and intense memoir by investigative journalist Jerry Mitchell, detailing his work on solving cold cases from the Civil Rights Era. It centers on the victims and their families, highlighting the deep-seated racism and the importance of investigative journalism in seeking justice.
Race Against Time is a deeply moving and necessary read that sheds light on the unsolved murders of civil rights activists during the 1960s. The book is a memoir by investigative journalist Jerry Mitchell, who played a pivotal role in reopening and solving some of the most infamous killings from the Civil Rights Era. What stands out is Mitchell's focus on the victims and their families, rather than himself, making it a poignant and respectful tribute to those who fought for justice. The narrative is intense and harrowing, detailing the challenges and dangers Mitchell faced while pursuing leads and interviewing Klansmen. It's a reminder of the ongoing struggle against racism and the importance of investigative journalism in seeking justice for those who were silenced.
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The cases he covers I mostly knew, but seeing this perspective he lays out as opposed to the ones in American History books I had encountered in my past was fresh and insightful.
Mitchell is here to remind us that justice is far from done, and that as a country we still have a long way to go when it comes to righting the wrongs of our racist past and present.
What struck me the most as I was reading this book is that while this is arguably Jerry Mitchell’s memoir on his work in investigative journalism regarding the murders of Civil Rights figures, it is decidedly centered on the victims and their families as opposed to him.