Action Words: Journey of a Journalist

by Shaune Bordere

Young Black writer, Ora M. Lewis, makes an effort to convince the Editor of a small local newspaper to publish her critiques of the segregationist New Orleans mayor in 1935. Although she is discouraged, her heroics earn the attention of the city and US Senator Huey P. Long. Ora begins to write influential articles that inspire the people to endure segregation. Ora works closely with Senator Long who soon falls victim to assassination. The people are devastated and the City of New Orleans is nearly destroyed by the mayor who celebrates the untimely death of Senator Long. Ora somehow finds a way to lead the people and take a stand against segregation.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Media Tie In, Christian, Politics, Inspirational, African American Literature, Novels

328 pages, Paperback

First published February 3, 2017

About the author

A New Orleans native and author of Action Words: Journey of a Journalist, she is a screenwriter of historic films and television series. Her focus has been the life and work of desegregation journalist Ora M. Lewis since 2011. She is inspired by the extraordinary history of early desegregation in Louisiana and the true influence of US Senator Huey P. Long and President Franklin D. Roosevelt on equality in America.

Reviews

[Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action Words: Journey of a Journalist is one of the first novels to illustrate the early desegregation activism of Ora M. Lewis. I was pleasantly surprised by the strength of the characters and the native New Orleans dialogue. The story is very powerful and it inspires consideration of the most difficult challenges of segregation. In the story Ora Lewis becomes the leader that she dreams of emulating. It is truly one of the best novels on the history of one of the most pivotal time periods in Louisiana, before and after the assassination of Senator Huey P. Long. It's a must-read for desegregation enthusiasts seeking an original perspective from a profound African American journalist.