The Gentle Giant of Dynamite Hill: The Untold Story of Arthur Shores and His Family's Fight for Civil Rights

by Helen Shores Lee, Barbara Sylvia Shores, Denise George (Contributor)

These are the firsthand accounts of sisters Helen and Barbara Shores growing up with their father, Arthur Shores, a prominent Civil Rights attorney, during the 60s in the Jim Crow south Birmingham district—a frequent target of the Ku Klux Klan. Between 1948 and 1963, some 50 unsolved Klan bombings happened in Smithfield where the Shores family lived, earning their neighborhood the nickname “Dynamite Hill.”

Due to his work, Shores’ daughter, Barbara, barely survived a kidnapping attempt. Twice, in 1963, Klan members bombed their home, sending Theodora to the hospital with a brain concussion and killing Tasso, the family’s cocker spaniel. The family narrowly escaped a third bombing attempt on their home in the spring of 1965. 

The Gentle Giant of Dynamite Hill is an incredible story of a family’s unfair suffering, but also of the Shores’ overcoming. This family’s sacrificial commitment, courage, determination, and triumph inspire us today through this story and the selfless service, work, and lives of Helen Shores Lee and Barbara Sylvia Shores.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History

364 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 10, 2012

Reviews

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to be totally honest. When I first started this book, I almost put it down and let the publisher know that I would not be reviewing it. The first, approximately, 75 pages of the book were written with such a disconnect and a "just the facts, maam" style that I had to go back and double check that it was written by the daughters. The one daughter is an attorney, so it kind of explained it to me. Most books that I have read written by attorneys have that "concise" manner of writing to them. Push past that because at one point the book opened up and I was not able to put it down. There is still that "feeling" present, but not nearly as much as in the beginning.

This is a period of time that I am starting to read more and more about. I have read hundreds of books on Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War and slavery, but am probably at about 35 books on the Civil Rights "era". This by far one of the best book I have read to date. The authors were able to put "tid bits" of history into story, written in a manner in which I truly felt like I was there, that I have not seen in other books that I have only seen in one other book.

Furthermore, after the initial pages, this book was so emotionally engrossing that by the epilogue written by daughter, Barbara Sylvia Shores, I was tearing up with how the love, gratitude and influence of her father simply flowed from the pages.

The greatest line from the book:

"You shouldn't hold onto hate because it will eventually destroy YOU!" Arthur Shores (as told to Barbara Sylvia Shores)

[Nandi Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I expressed earlier, why hasn't this great man's story been told sooner? this man was dynamic!! For a while in the late 30s as well as 40s, this man was the ONLY African American lawyer in the whole state of Alabama!! not only that, he did legwork for the NAACP during that time as well, plus was involved in the case of Autherine Lucy in her attempt to enter the University of Alabama in 1956, as well as Vivian Malone and James Hood to the same school in 1963, and was an eyewitness to George Wallace's stand at the schoolhouse door at the time.(He would also remember Wallace while he was a circuit judge in Barbour County ordering enough food for him while trying cases there as well as being kindhearted and generous during those times). On top of this, he was in the civil rights struggle in Birmingham and sadly his house was bombed TWICE in one year(1963)yet it still stands to this day as a testament to this man and his good works. If you want my opinion, let all who live in this state be given a copy of this book to know of this man's contribution to Alabama and this country. Later on, he became the first black on the Birmingham City Council. He also unsuccessfully tried to run in the Alabama State Legislature in the late 30s, 1942 and 50s. You know his wife, after suffering from the bombing and all, begged him to leave this state but he wouldn't. He wanted to make this state better for him and his and in his own way, he did. bless him.

[Rebecca Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's much to celebrate in this loving portrayal of a leader in the civil rights movement in Birmingham. Mr. Shores chose to relocate his family to Smithfield, very close to the "color line," arbitrarily created by city planners, while he provided legal services to the community. Among them, people prosecuted unjustly, teachers seeking equal pay, and civil rights leaders arrested during the movement. I found the account of Ms. Lucy's pursuit of admission to the University of Alabama particularly helpful and moving. The stories of the sisters' strong sense of justice were so compelling because they juxtaposed the heartbreak of being marginalized by Alabama's apartheid for even the simplest things (being forbidden from the Mickey Mouse club!) with the sheer rage they felt at the white gangs in their neighborhood (which no child should have to endure).

Like the firefighters who run into the burning building, Mr. Shores sacrificed his own comfort and put his family's safety on the line in the pursuit of justice. Awe-inspiring for all times.

[Deb Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story worth reading and still extremely relevant. It is an engaging non-fiction that is both extremely upsetting, but hopeful and sheds light on a true unsung hero in US history. I highly recommend!

[Neva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with one reader who stated that at first it seemed disjointed, but pulled together on into the book. This man was a true champion and fought the fight in a CIVIL manner, not hateful and mean as some well known men. He even states that he refused to fight dirty, but in a correct way. He truly imbodies what a civil rights leader should be. I think there would be a lot further progress if others would do the same instead of fighting hate with more hate.
He truly is a hero.

[Twana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the book was very informative. Somethings I didn't know what Afro-American lawyers had to go through just to get their cases heard. The only lawyer that I ever heard about during the civil rights era was Thurgood Marshall. I became very interested in reading the life and movement Mr. Arthur Shores was doing for civil rights.

[JE. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. I learned some things I did not know and I did not know about Atty. AD. Shores. I enjoyed reading about this life and legacy..

[Kelli Widmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about a relatively unknown but probably one of the most important people in the Civil Rights Movement.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the privilege of meting Judge Lee and Ms. Shores when they attended my book group to discuss The Gentle Giant. The sisters are much like this book -- smart, humorous, honest, and endearing. The Gentle Giant is a collection of the sisters' memories of their childhood and young adulthood in Birmingham, Alabama and especially of their father, who put himself (and therefore his family) in danger every day fighting for justice. Whether it's a story of playing horsey with a respected and important colleague of their father's or the terror of having their house bombed more than once, these sisters relate their past with a frankness that seeks neither to overblow nor underplay the shameful events of a racist South. Accompanied by photos and documents supporting the stories, the book is a highly accessible picture of Arthur Shores' fearless persistence to right the South's wrongs -- often in the face of humiliation and danger. How wonderful that the daughter of the man who was called "boy" in Birmingham courtrooms, where he was an accomplished and able attorney, is now a judge herself. While the majority of the book focuses on the political and social realities of the '40s, '50s, and '60s, there are also glimpses of Arthur Lee as a father -- a doting, kind man who gave his daughters far more in material, emotional, and spiritual riches than he ever had. And they invested those riches well, never taking for granted their father's contribution and working to pass on his commitment to justice.

[Elizabeth Castro · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gentle Giant of Dynamite Hill is a painful look at Alabama's past along with courage, friendship, family, and faith. This book is divided into small headings allowing the reader to process the information at their own pace or to read the larger story at once. myself had to read slowly overcome by the events.
One would think the contents of this book are all common knowledge to the general public, but I was not familiar with most being a new resident to Alabama. I enjoyed learning about the important work the NAACP has done within America and how Arthur Shore aided them even under threats of death.
I am thankful for our American freedom we can all enjoy today.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A black attorney who fights against the Jim Crow era for black equality. He is a lone black attorney in a white world who single-handedly wins many court cases for the right of blacks to enroll in segregated schools, equal pay for blacks, segregated bussing issues, etc. One of his many famous clients included Martin Luther King Jr.. His family survived two bombings during his crusade for black equality in Birmingham, Alabama. A must read for history, whether taught in schools or for personal interest.

[Carolyn J Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful history lessom

Beautifully written and excellent details into what Mr. Shore lived and did for Justice for black's as well as all American's. His story should be taught to generations to come. Thank you Judge Lee and Ms. Shore for sharing your story.

[Gwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very slow in the beginning, but just like a locomotive picked up steam and kept me spellbound. Good historical account of a man who changed our lives.

[Debra Goldstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

A an inside view of Birmingham history

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the best books that I have read about the Civil Rights movement in Birmingham in the 1960s. It was well written and very readable. I learned many things that I didn't know.

[Beverley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I've read this year!

[Everydayreader1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book chronicles the lives of Helen and Barbara Shores as they grew up in the 1940-1960s segregated south as the daughters of Arthur Shores, the pioneer civil rights attorney. The book also provides much description about Arthur Shores' childhood, his unflagging belief and faith in God, and his unwavering desire and commitment to achieve equality for all people.

The civil rights movement and its pioneers has always interested me. This book, especially, provides a first hand account of what it was like to grow up in a divisive era. The Shores' home was bombed, more than once, and they were the target of threats by the KKK and others. I am so glad these experiences and memories have been preserved and shared with readers now and for generations yet to come.