Delivering Justice: W.W. Law and the Fight for Civil Rights

by James Haskins, Benny Andrews (Illustrator), James Haskins

A respected biographer teams up with an acclaimed artist to tell the story of the mail carrier who orchestrated the Great Savannah Boycott — and was instrumental in bringing equality to his community.

"Grow up and be somebody," Westley Wallace Law's grandmother encouraged him as a young boy living in poverty in segregated Savannah, Georgia. Determined to make a difference in his community, W.W. Law assisted blacks in registering to vote, joined the NAACP and trained protestors in the use of nonviolent civil disobedience, and, in 1961, led the Great Savannah Boycott. In that famous protest, blacks refused to shop in downtown Savannah. When city leaders finally agreed to declare all of its citizens equal, Savannah became the first city in the south to end racial discrimination.

A lifelong mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, W.W. Law saw fostering communication between blacks and whites as a fundamental part of his job. As this affecting, strikingly illustrated biography makes clear, this "unsung hero" delivered far more than the mail to the citizens of the city he loved.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Picture Books, History, African American, Childrens, American History

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 11, 2005

About the author

Haskins, James (1941–2005), author of nonfiction books for juveniles and adults, biographer, educator, critic, editor, and educational consultant. Born into a large family in a racially segregated middle-class section of Demopolis, Alabama, where he was not allowed to visit the town's public library, James S. Haskins was deeply affected by the swirl of events related to the mid-century civil rights movement. He received his bachelor's degree in history at Alabama State College, but limited career opportunities in the South in the early 1960s led him to seek employment in New York City. Two years of selling newspaper advertisements and working as a Wall Street stockbroker brought him to the realization that he was better suited for a career in education and thus he applied for a position in the New York City public school system. After teaching music at several locations, he found a job teaching a special education class at P.S. 92. Obsessed with the plight of his inner-city pupils, he was glad to discuss their problems with anyone who would listen, including a social worker who encouraged him to write his thoughts and experiences in a diary. This resulted in the publication of his first book, Diary of a Harlem Schoolteacher (1969), which was widely acclaimed. This initial success attracted the attention of major publishers who approached him to write books for children and adolescents.

An admitted need to reconcile social disparities and a desire to interpret events to young people and to motivate them to read and be influenced by accomplished individuals—particularly deprived youth whom he felt had far too few role models to read about—led him to author more than one hundred books on a diverse array of topics. Written for a general audience of juveniles, his titles include The War and the Protest: Viet Nam (1971), Religions (1973), Jobs in Business and Office (1974), The Consumer Movement (1975), Your Rights, Past and Present: A Guide for Young People (1975), Teen-age Alcoholism (1976), The Long Struggle: The Story of American Labor (1976), Who Are the Handicapped (1978), Gambling—Who Really Wins (1978), Werewolves (1981), and The New Americans: Cuban Boat People (1982).

Haskins launched his college teaching career in 1970 and continued lecturing on psychology, folklore, children's and young adult literature, and urban education at schools in New York and Indiana before landing a full-time professorship in the English department at the University of Florida at Gainesville in 1977. That same year he authored The Cotton Club, a pictorial and social history of the notorious Harlem night club, which seven years later was transformed into a motion picture of the same name directed by Francis Ford Coppola.

Among his books intended for adults or college-level readers are The Psychology of Black Language (1973) with Dr. Hugh Butts; Black Manifesto for Education (1973), which he edited; Snow Sculpture and Ice Carving (1974); Scott Joplin: The Man Who Made Rag-time (1978); Voodoo and Hoodoo: Their Tradition and Craft as Revealed by Actual Practitioners (1978); Richard Pryor, A Man and His Madness (1984); and Mabel Mercer: A Life (1988). He has contributed numerous critical essays and reviews to periodicals. Still, he is best known for his biographies, tailored for elementary and high school students. Most of these recount the triumphs of well-known contemporary African Americans, with whom many young people readily identify. The long list of persons he has profiled (often using the pen name Jim Haskins) include Colin Powell, Barbara Jordon, Thurgood Marshall, Sugar Ray Leonard, Magic Johnson, Diana Ross, Katherine Dunham, Guion Bluford, Andrew Young, Bill Cosby, Kareem Adbul-Jabbar, Shirley Chisholm, Lena Horne, and Rosa Parks. Biographies of prominent individuals who are not African American include Indira and Rajiv Gandhi, Shirley Temple Black, Corazón Aquino, Winnie Mandela, and Christopher Columbus.

Reviews

[Linda Lipko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because Lark and Termite was a haunting book of seriousness, I read one of the illustrated books I bought last year. Delivering Justice tells the tale of a mailman who, during his regulat postal route, also delivered fliers regarding various civil rights events that were occurring.

[Kristin Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's good to read about W.W. Law, another obscure name in the Civil Rights movement, because it's important to realize it wasn't just about Rosa Parks and MLK Jr. The book was written in short two-page spreads. Plenty of info here about the integration of Savannah in the early 60's.

[Leslie Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Westley Wallace Law grew up in Savannah, Georgia, which was segregated at the time. His grandmother told him that he should work hard to “be somebody,”and this inspired him to work for equality and justice. He helped establish voter schools, he joined the NAACP and trained protesters in nonviolent civil disobedience. In 1961, he led the famous Great Savannah Boycott. This boycott led to a fine distinction in Savannah’s history: it was the first city in the South to end legalized racial discrimination. For many years, W.W. Law served as a mail carrier, a profession that allowed him to maintain close contact with people in his community. He was an unsung hero of the civil rights movement, one that should be included in the study of community action, the drive for equality, and the power of nonviolent resistance and change.

The format of the book is almost like an expanded timeline, and this helps readers anchor the chronology of the events. The art is like folk art, art "of the people for the people" that draws readers in. The colors are not too jolly, which is good, but instead they are warm and layered.

[Amy Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: biography. Grades 3-5

Very nicely written life story of W.W. Law and his fight for civil rights in Savannah. The story spans his whole life, and touches on slavery (his grandmother's friend was born a slave), 2nd class citizenry, the injustices of segregation, and voter schools. As a young man he educated African Americans on how to pass the test in order to vote through his work with the NAACP. He was the one who organized kneel-ins and sit-ins and nonviolent protest throughout the city. It is a great text to talk about civil disobedience and equal rights, and the power of the individual citizen to create change.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've heard of W.W. Law but knew virtually nothing about him. He was a civil rights activist that led Savannah to be the first Southern US city to desegregate and all with very little violence. He sacrificed having a family to serve the cause of justice because he didn't want to endanger anyone. He worked as a postal worker for his entire career. What a brave and wonderful man!

I would not hesitate to read this to my preschoolers. It is simply written. Each page has a heading and tells a different part of his life.

My only issue with this book is the book size. It is very tall and would not fit on my shelves easily.

[charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

[ 4 stars ]

number two in my children’s books with themes of social justice series!

wow. this book was incredible. i had never heard of w.w. law, nor the specifics of the fight for civil rights in savannah. i feel much more educated on these histories. i think this book does an incredible deep dive on his life, as well as the ins and outs of the civil rights movement in savannah. i didn’t have a question left unanswered, and this is definitely a great primer for students at the target age range.

[Ruby Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based upon the life on Westley Wallace Law who peacefully campaigned for equality between black and white people in Savannah in Georgia, this text incorporates both features of fiction and information texts. In doing so, it creates an accurate, yet powerful message of tolerance and how peace will conquer violence. Not only a historical event, but also a way for children to see how power of speech and peace can prevail- it is a nice way to promote tolerance and maturity in the classroom.

[Medeia Sharif · Rating 5 out of 5]

Westley Wallace Law was a postal carrier who, along his routes, distributed fliers about civil rights protests. He also trained protesters, led a boycott, and assisted with voter registration. A humble and hardworking man, he tirelessly fought for social justice and equality during a time of segregation and desegregation. I’m glad I had the chance to read this fascinating biography and learn about this remarkable civil rights figure.

[Cindy Janett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a strong biography about W.W. Law. Written in plain terms it keeps the bias at bay but being straightforward about the effects of racism in the 30's-60's. It puts the material in kid friendly terms and shows how one man can make a difference.

[Travelmaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clearly written, with facts and passion, the story of W.W. Law and the fight for civil rights is a thoughtful read for all ages. This book will definitely generate conversations with multiple age groups! Hoping it gets read in many classrooms and libraries.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect read for teaching children about civil rights during this month's celebration of Black History in the United States of America.

[Danell Burney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Savannahian! Wonderful leader in civil rights movement.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Westley Wallace Law fought civilly against Jim Crow laws in Savannah, Georgia.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was impressed with this book. Informative, easy to read, and non-sensational. Would definitely recommend for upper elementary social studies.

[Mr. Cody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not too shabby of a picture-biography. Used in my classroom.

[Elisha Calhoun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delivering Justice was a very educational book! It did a great job of explaining difficult topics at a level where young learners would be able to comprehend. The plot of this book allows the reader to feel as though they are growing up seeing the same circumstances that Westly did, which is great for historical context. In an academic environment, this book would be great for giving historical context for projects, assignments, or in-class assignments.

[Jaime Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delivering Justice is a biography about Westley Wallace Law growing up in Savannah, Georgia during the time of segregation. This biography tells the story of how Westley Law, a mail carrier for Savannah, was able to make a difference, just like his grandmother wanted him to do. The book is full of multiple stories that talk about a specific moment in his life that helped him accomplish what he did. Westley Wallace Law helped blacks register to vote, joined and started the NAACP which trained protestors to not use violence in any of the protests and eventually led the Great Savannah Boycott. In this boycott, blacks refused to shop in downtown Savannah. With the help of Westley Wallace Law, Savannah became the first city in the south to end racial discrimination. I recommend this book to anyone, but I especially recommend it to teachers. I really enjoyed this book because it informed me of something major that happened in history that I had no idea happened. This book is full of information and the stories are really great to read. This book can show students that anyone can make a difference.

[Sunday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nonfiction narrative of the life of Westley Wallace Law - a lesser known figure in the civil rights movement? Tells the story of WW's involvement in the NAACP and the African American community's nonviolent protests and boycott of businesses in Savannah, GA (1960). Great author's note at the end about the rest of Law's life and his continued advocacy on social justice issues. Would make a great read aloud and a great book for a text set on the civil rights movement.

Five Recommended Read Alouds as part of integrated unit on civil rights period -
1) My Brother Martin by Farris
2) Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down by Pinkney
3) Delivering Justice: W. W. Law and the Fight for Civil Rights by Haskins
4) March On! by Farris
5) Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez by Krull

Each book lends itself to discussion about the following essential questions:
1) What is social justice?
2) How would you describe key figures who were activists in the civil rights movements? What is textual evidence to support your points?

[Clare Masullo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows one influential African American political figure during the Civil Rights Movement. W.W. Law came from humble beginnings, and from a young age joined in solidarity with his community to fight for change. He orchestrated many sit-ins and anti-segregation demonstrations. His name is not well known, but I believe children would enjoy hearing his story and see how from a young age one can fight for something that he or she believes in.
The story is divided into sections, each page presenting a different part of W.W. Law's life and the obstacles he faced. It may be good for a reader who has a bit of trouble following a longer story, because it is divided up into sections. The illustrations are colorful and engaging.

[Donald · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really good, and important story about W.W. Law and his role in the fight for civil rights in the United States! But the cover, and the title, were misleading to me. In the story, Law's job as a mail carrier didn't seem to have much to do with the fight for civil rights, which is why I picked it up. Still, kids should read it, as it is an important part of this country's history. And as a letter carrier right now, I appreciated this quote from the Afterword, "...choosing to live on the small wages he earned from the United States Postal Service." I guess some things still haven't changed!

[Debby Detering · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well-illustrated children's book portrays a persistent, courageous gentleman who used his talent for teaching in Sunday School, leading a Boy Scout troop, and training participants in the Great Savannah Boycott which ended with Savannah as the first southern city to end segregation. He was W.W. Law qualified as a school teacher when he graduated from college, but because of his association with the NAACP no school dared to hire him. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a mailman for 40 years. Delivering Justice portrays one of those people I'd like for a neighbor and friend, and after reading the book I feel as if I had known him.

[L-Angelica Herrera-Vest · Rating 3 out of 5]

Delivering Justice, W.W. Law and the Fight for Civil Rights by Jim Haskins is a picture book about Wesley Wallace Law, a civil rights activist who grew up in Savannah, Georgia during the 1930's. He experienced segregation and discrimination throughout childhood. He perseveres in life and goes on to become a very influential person in the civil rights movement. This is a good book to initiate conversations about the civil rights movement in the United States. The book is recommended for children between the ages of 5-8. The book received the Jane Addams Children's Book Award.

[Kayla Heenan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great book I will want in my classroom library for sure. It is another book about the south during segregation. It takes place in Savannah, Georgia in 1932 and it does a great job at explaining how life was for the blacks back in the day. I enjoyed reading this story and it would be used to read out loud during black history month. I believe I could read it to students from all levels of elementary school, except for kindergarten. I just think the material is a little to complex for kindergarteners.

[Lizard]

you have a bad website but good book

[Amit · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is not to be for 5-8 years old, but more for history in high school.

This is introducing segregation in the minds of very young kids with still-developing minds and introducing them to the divide that existed very long ago.
This can/will introduce superiority and inferiority in white and not white kids respectively.

Not at all recommended for elementary or even middle school kids.

[BNS/BCS Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a young boy growing up poor in segregated Savannah, Georgia, Westley Wallace Law was encouraged by his grandmother to "be somebody." This heartening biography of W.W. Law tells of his efforts end segregation. A celebration of a quiet but effective leader of the civil rights movement who delivered much more than mail.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book because it shows the importance of equality. Even in 2013, racism is still among us. I don't believe that many young children would be as aware of all the racism in todays world. So this book would be great for young learners so they can see what the fight for civil rights was all about.

[Taneka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Westly Wallace Law who grew up in Savannah during Jim Crow segregation and became a leader in the community, by fighting the system. He led boycotts and nonviolent demonstrations.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book that would be great to incorporate into a Watson text set. It's a historical fiction read and would be great for late elementary. I really enjoyed reading this and definitely think that I will use it in my future classroom.

[Pingping Xiao · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a historical book about a young boy growing up poor in segregated Savannah, Georgia. Westley Wallace Law was encouraged by his grandmother to "be somebody". As a young man, he helped establish voter school. And became a mail man after he graduated from college.