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The Life and Times of Clyde Kennard
In 1955, Clyde Kennard, a decorated army veteran, was forced to cut short the final year of his studies at the University of Chicago and return home to Mississippi due to family circumstances, where Kennard made the decision to complete his education. Yet still on the eve of the civil rights movement in America, Kennard’s decision would be one of the first serious attempts to integrate any public school at the college level in the state. The Life and Times of Clyde Kennard tells the true story of Kennard’s efforts to complete his further education at Mississippi Southern College (now the University of Southern Mississippi) against the backdrop of the institutionalized social order of the times and the prevailing winds of change attempting to blow that social order away. As Meredith’s admission to "Ole Miss" became more widely known at the time, Kennard became the forgotten man. Author Derek R. King shares his extensive research into Kennard’s life, and touches on key events that shaped those times.
438 pages, Paperback
Published October 10, 2018
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 24, 2020
I had never heard the name Clyde Kennard before I discovered this book. I am very glad I read this disturbing, true tale, for now that I know Kennard's story, I will not forget it. With painstaking detail, Mr. King provided a complete picture of this civil rights pioneer, his life, and his spirit, which survived intact through an unbelievable, unnecessary, and heartlessly cruel ordeal. Ultimately, I drew inspiration from Kennard's tale, and his determination to persevere despite the known risks.
October 1, 2019
A detailed, scholarly book that gives the reader a level of understanding beyond that of many non-fiction history books. The author's writing style is approachable yet authoritative, giving an excellent insight into an important time in US Civil Rights history.
Aside from the background information, which helps to set the context, Clyde Kennard's story is inspirational and sobering in equal measure. An excellent book.
Aside from the background information, which helps to set the context, Clyde Kennard's story is inspirational and sobering in equal measure. An excellent book.
October 28, 2019
It's been a long time since I have been fascinated by a Historical non-fiction book, especially about the US Civil War and the Civil Rights movement. Author Derek R. King has done an incredible amount of research to write such a gripping account of Clyde Kennard’s life, his struggles, sufferings and the darkness of humanity. I found it extremely educational, insightful and saddened by the real life events. It’s an important story that should be incorporated into the US educational curriculum to ensure theses type of atrocities are never repeated. Thank you Author Derek R. King for the fascinating and perceptive writing that shines the light into the shadows of the past - it is a must-read for all American Citizens, in my humble opinion.
June 27, 2022
Ten years in the making, author Derek R. King has given us an American history masterwork on the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s-60s. Although King paints with a broad brush and illuminates the social and political environment of that period, his deep focus is on someone you probably never heard of. He was Clyde Kennard, a native of Mississippi, a decorated Korean War veteran and a Black man who lived in a time and place where equal rights for his race were nonexistent.
Kennard was both a warrior and victim of the civil rights struggle. According to sources cited in the book, Kennard was a mild-mannered, courteous, and respectful young man. A reluctant and non-violent warrior, he ran into brick-hard resistance and grave personal consequences when he attempted to enroll in the University of Southern Mississippi, then a segregated institution. He was not out to break the color barrier or prove a point; he simply wished to finish his college degree close to home so he could support his widowed mother.
The extraordinary machinations, time, and money spent by the university administration, state and local politicians, and law enforcement to keep Kennard out and then punish him for repeatedly applying beggars belief. Author King does a brilliant, cohesive job laying out these heart-rending events. I kept thinking: “You can’t make this stuff up.”
“The Life and Times of Clyde Kennard” is an in-depth expose of an ugly period in American history that gives the reader an understanding of how far we’ve come as a country and society, and hints at how much further we may need to go. The book is founded on meticulous, well-documented research and written by a talented Scottish author who poured his heart and soul into this project. I highly recommend this book to those interested in American history, the Civil Rights Movements and many of the people, including Clyde Kennard, who played a significant part in advancing equality and justice for Blacks in this country.
Kennard was both a warrior and victim of the civil rights struggle. According to sources cited in the book, Kennard was a mild-mannered, courteous, and respectful young man. A reluctant and non-violent warrior, he ran into brick-hard resistance and grave personal consequences when he attempted to enroll in the University of Southern Mississippi, then a segregated institution. He was not out to break the color barrier or prove a point; he simply wished to finish his college degree close to home so he could support his widowed mother.
The extraordinary machinations, time, and money spent by the university administration, state and local politicians, and law enforcement to keep Kennard out and then punish him for repeatedly applying beggars belief. Author King does a brilliant, cohesive job laying out these heart-rending events. I kept thinking: “You can’t make this stuff up.”
“The Life and Times of Clyde Kennard” is an in-depth expose of an ugly period in American history that gives the reader an understanding of how far we’ve come as a country and society, and hints at how much further we may need to go. The book is founded on meticulous, well-documented research and written by a talented Scottish author who poured his heart and soul into this project. I highly recommend this book to those interested in American history, the Civil Rights Movements and many of the people, including Clyde Kennard, who played a significant part in advancing equality and justice for Blacks in this country.
January 23, 2021
Unsung Hero
The Life and Times of Clyde Kennard, a nonfiction book by Derek R. King, is an incredibly well researched account of one man's formidable story and the obstacles he faces when he decides to go to college in Mississippi, or rather “in the deeply segregated education system in Mississippi.”
The author's remarkable endeavor in delivering historical background information brings forth the setting, beautifully illustrating the time of racial segregation. This well written book recounts the true story of Clyde Kennard, a hero of the civil rights movement, the atrocities he endures, his patience, and his resilience.
I believe this educational book should be read by every citizen of the United States, for many of the issues discussed are sadly still very relevant, particularly in some parts of the country. Following the tragic events of May 25, 2020 and the uprising they resulted in, more and more people are becoming aware of all the racial prejudices they have unknowingly learned and carried around. Unlearning them requires effort and cannot be achieved without knowing and understanding the history of the United States, specifically what people have been through for the rest of us to have the freedom we take for granted.
I also highly recommend that reading The Life and Times of Clyde Kennard become required in all United States schools. This fascinating book gives an insight into where the country has been, what struggles and challenges its citizens have faced, what sacrifices have been made to fight for civil rights in the face of ignorance, how far the country has come, and the dangers of prejudice.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Derek R. King for dedicating a decade of his life to the research and writing of this extraordinary book. I've learned so much from reading it, and for that I'm so very grateful.
The Life and Times of Clyde Kennard, a nonfiction book by Derek R. King, is an incredibly well researched account of one man's formidable story and the obstacles he faces when he decides to go to college in Mississippi, or rather “in the deeply segregated education system in Mississippi.”
The author's remarkable endeavor in delivering historical background information brings forth the setting, beautifully illustrating the time of racial segregation. This well written book recounts the true story of Clyde Kennard, a hero of the civil rights movement, the atrocities he endures, his patience, and his resilience.
I believe this educational book should be read by every citizen of the United States, for many of the issues discussed are sadly still very relevant, particularly in some parts of the country. Following the tragic events of May 25, 2020 and the uprising they resulted in, more and more people are becoming aware of all the racial prejudices they have unknowingly learned and carried around. Unlearning them requires effort and cannot be achieved without knowing and understanding the history of the United States, specifically what people have been through for the rest of us to have the freedom we take for granted.
I also highly recommend that reading The Life and Times of Clyde Kennard become required in all United States schools. This fascinating book gives an insight into where the country has been, what struggles and challenges its citizens have faced, what sacrifices have been made to fight for civil rights in the face of ignorance, how far the country has come, and the dangers of prejudice.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Derek R. King for dedicating a decade of his life to the research and writing of this extraordinary book. I've learned so much from reading it, and for that I'm so very grateful.
July 20, 2020
I loved this book both for its well researched content and for the writing itself. Derek King's "The Life and Times of Clyde Kennard" will appeal to scholars of history as well as lay readers who want to learn more about the Civil Rights movement. This book is especially important considering what’s happening in the United States right now. Tensions and hate run deep. King’s book provides excellent background information about slavery, Reconstruction, and the Civil Rights era to set the stage for his discussion of Kennard’s life and struggles. This is an important work that I enjoyed very much.
September 17, 2019
This impeccably researched and well written book really brings to life a volatile period of US history, the Civil Rights movement. Sadly, I had not heard of Clyde Kennard before reading this book.
The book begins by setting the stage for US race relations with a brief, but information packed, overview of the US Civil War and how the outcome and mentality of that impacted the history of both the Northern and Southern states. I found the insights and perspective of the author to be fascinating, educated, and credible.
I will admit, the book is difficult to read. Not by any defect on the part of the author, but because the subject matter is raw, frustrating, and downright shameful. The hardships faced by Clyde Kennard, simply because he wanted to pursue higher education at a white college in Mississippi, are unconscionable. The horrible things he endured, with patience, are a true testament to the resilience of the human spirit. There were many times when I had to put the book down because it was so frustrating or angering. The fact that it's a true story made it all the more gripping and heartbreaking. This book is an informative look at history but told with heart. Clyde will become a living, breathing, human being to you as you read his story. You'll learn the facts, dates, and historical context of his life, but you'll also get a feel for him as a regular person, like you and I.
Unfortunately, racial tension in the US is still a very real thing. As alarming and painful news stories continue to show up, this book remains a very relevant reminder of how far we've come, but how much further we've yet to go.
I could easily see, and recommend, this text as being required reading in high school US History classes and also on college campuses. It offers the perfect segue into opening honest dialog about race relations and civil rights.
Clyde Kennard is a name that should be known in the greater consciousness of the American people and I admire the author, Derek R. King, for endeavoring to bring Kennard out of the shadows, where he's dwelt for far too long, and into the light he so richly deserves.
I feel like I've learned more about Civil Rights through reading this book than I ever did throughout my years of high school and university education. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
The book begins by setting the stage for US race relations with a brief, but information packed, overview of the US Civil War and how the outcome and mentality of that impacted the history of both the Northern and Southern states. I found the insights and perspective of the author to be fascinating, educated, and credible.
I will admit, the book is difficult to read. Not by any defect on the part of the author, but because the subject matter is raw, frustrating, and downright shameful. The hardships faced by Clyde Kennard, simply because he wanted to pursue higher education at a white college in Mississippi, are unconscionable. The horrible things he endured, with patience, are a true testament to the resilience of the human spirit. There were many times when I had to put the book down because it was so frustrating or angering. The fact that it's a true story made it all the more gripping and heartbreaking. This book is an informative look at history but told with heart. Clyde will become a living, breathing, human being to you as you read his story. You'll learn the facts, dates, and historical context of his life, but you'll also get a feel for him as a regular person, like you and I.
Unfortunately, racial tension in the US is still a very real thing. As alarming and painful news stories continue to show up, this book remains a very relevant reminder of how far we've come, but how much further we've yet to go.
I could easily see, and recommend, this text as being required reading in high school US History classes and also on college campuses. It offers the perfect segue into opening honest dialog about race relations and civil rights.
Clyde Kennard is a name that should be known in the greater consciousness of the American people and I admire the author, Derek R. King, for endeavoring to bring Kennard out of the shadows, where he's dwelt for far too long, and into the light he so richly deserves.
I feel like I've learned more about Civil Rights through reading this book than I ever did throughout my years of high school and university education. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
October 1, 2021
Heart breaking but bittersweet
As I read this book, I was filled with a sense of horror, anger and despair. I wept for the unspoken number of African-Americans who had been wrongfully punished and are being punished today. I wept for people like Clyde Kennard who only wanted a higher education and were denied this basic human right. I wept for his family and friends who had to watch him suffer.
As an outsider to American politics, the lengths segregationists in the 50s & 60s went to keep separation between the races shocked me.
In his book, The Life and Times of Clyde Kennard, " Derek R. King guides us seamlessly through the United States' history of slavery, racism, segregation while covering Clyde Kennard's battle with the state of Mississippi for a chance to complete his education. So I wasn't left feeling confused about many things he mentions.
I'm not an ardent lover of non-fiction but I enjoyed with a broken heart reading about Clyde's indomitable spirit and kindness. I wished I could have known him. I am not a very emotional man but even my blood boiled with rage when I read about the injustices carried out by the Council Members.
The research that went into this book deserves mention. It details not only Kennard's experiences but also shows us the state of the political climate in Southern USA during the 40s, 50s, 60s and the gradual change in its position on segregation mainly due to the Civil Rights Movement. It's a book that everyone should read to better understand the history of racism and why it is such an evil which still persists in this world long after it's creators have perished. Only by awakening to the prejudiced stereotypes we laugh at can we put an end to this seemingly never-ending battle against skin color. It doesn't matter what you look like. Every human being has the right to a life of freedom and pursuing their own happiness.
As I read this book, I was filled with a sense of horror, anger and despair. I wept for the unspoken number of African-Americans who had been wrongfully punished and are being punished today. I wept for people like Clyde Kennard who only wanted a higher education and were denied this basic human right. I wept for his family and friends who had to watch him suffer.
As an outsider to American politics, the lengths segregationists in the 50s & 60s went to keep separation between the races shocked me.
In his book, The Life and Times of Clyde Kennard, " Derek R. King guides us seamlessly through the United States' history of slavery, racism, segregation while covering Clyde Kennard's battle with the state of Mississippi for a chance to complete his education. So I wasn't left feeling confused about many things he mentions.
I'm not an ardent lover of non-fiction but I enjoyed with a broken heart reading about Clyde's indomitable spirit and kindness. I wished I could have known him. I am not a very emotional man but even my blood boiled with rage when I read about the injustices carried out by the Council Members.
The research that went into this book deserves mention. It details not only Kennard's experiences but also shows us the state of the political climate in Southern USA during the 40s, 50s, 60s and the gradual change in its position on segregation mainly due to the Civil Rights Movement. It's a book that everyone should read to better understand the history of racism and why it is such an evil which still persists in this world long after it's creators have perished. Only by awakening to the prejudiced stereotypes we laugh at can we put an end to this seemingly never-ending battle against skin color. It doesn't matter what you look like. Every human being has the right to a life of freedom and pursuing their own happiness.
August 28, 2020
This is an excellent, informative book that brings to life the Civil Rights movement in America whilst focussing on the struggles and injustices that one man, Clyde Kennard, faced whilst seeking to be enrolled at a Mississippi college that was still clinging to racial segregation.
By setting Clyde's story against the backdrop of the American Civil War and the wider north-south political struggles that followed, the reader is better able to understand the shameful racial prejudices that caused so much misery and injustice.
I had not initially thought to read this as I don't often read non-fiction and had assumed - incorrectly - that it would be dry and heavy-going. In fact, I quickly became absorbed in both the history of the Civil War and in Clyde Kennard's story. The book is not just easy-to-read and thought-provoking - it also evokes anger and emotion in the reader.
An excellent book that deserves to be read and remembered.
By setting Clyde's story against the backdrop of the American Civil War and the wider north-south political struggles that followed, the reader is better able to understand the shameful racial prejudices that caused so much misery and injustice.
I had not initially thought to read this as I don't often read non-fiction and had assumed - incorrectly - that it would be dry and heavy-going. In fact, I quickly became absorbed in both the history of the Civil War and in Clyde Kennard's story. The book is not just easy-to-read and thought-provoking - it also evokes anger and emotion in the reader.
An excellent book that deserves to be read and remembered.
January 16, 2020
This is a hard time to study for all involved as it is very emotional. Clyde Kennard is one of the forgotten people of the Civil Rights battle. This book is well researched and has much to recommend it. It needs, however, more on Clyde Kennard himself. While the Civil Rights battle is important to this book, I felt by the title I should have had more information about Mr. Kennard than I got.
November 6, 2025
This book is eye-opening. A glance into the forgotten pages of history with Derek R. King’s gripping nonfiction gem, “The Life and Times of Clyde Kennard.” This historical biography of a Civil Rights unsung hero, Clyde Kennard, is a thought-provoking look into the events surrounding his attempts to enroll at MSU. But also, the background, primarily regarding the American Civil War and the impact the war’s fallout had on future generations, especially on African Americans in the Southern states. Kennard’s determination and struggle for education will leave you shocked and inspired. A well-researched scandalous story from a time in America’s history that must never be forgotten. As an American, I found it amazing to ‘not know’ about Clyde Kennard. His story deserves to be told. Thank you for doing so, Mr. King.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews