Black Radical: The Life and Times of William Monroe Trotter

by Kerri K. Greenidge

William Monroe Trotter (1872–1934), though still virtually unknown to the wider public, was an unlikely American hero. With the stylistic verve of a newspaperman and the unwavering fearlessness of an emancipator, he galvanized black working- class citizens to wield their political power despite the violent racism of post-Reconstruction America. For more than thirty years, the Harvard-educated Trotter edited and published the Guardian, a weekly Boston newspaper that was read across the nation. Defining himself against the gradualist politics of Booker T. Washington and the elitism of W. E. B. Du Bois, Trotter advocated for a radical vision of black liberation that prefigured leaders such as Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr. Synthesizing years of archival research, historian Kerri Greenidge renders the drama of turn-of-the-century America and reclaims Trotter as a seminal figure, whose prophetic, yet ultimately tragic, life offers a link between the vision of Frederick Douglass and black radicalism in the modern era.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, Race, American History, African American, Politics

432 pages, Hardcover

First published November 19, 2019

Reviews

[KOMET · Rating 4 out of 5]

If ever there was a personage of note who merited a serious biography, William Monroe Trotter (1872-1934) fits the bill. In life, he was a tireless fighter and uncompromising supporter of the African American community (and by extension, people of color throughout the world) at a time in which it was oppressed by overt white supremacy and Jim Crow segregation laws.

Trotter had the sheer guts to challenge face-to-face President Wilson in the White House over his implementation of rigid segregation of the federal government in 1913, which led to many African American federal employees losing their jobs or being demoted. He also --- despite the U.S. government denying him a passport --- managed to sail incognito to Paris in 1919, where he presented to European leaders who had gathered there for the Paris Peace Conference, "the colored world's demands" for democracy and socio-economic justice and equality. What's more: upon returning to the United States, Trotter and a group of like-minded "race men" (a term that was then used to describe African Americans who with an uncompromising sense of purpose, devoted their lives to fighting for equal rights for African Americans) met with the Republican Senate Majority Leader (Henry Cabot Lodge of Massachusetts, whom Trotter, a Bostonian, knew well) and various members of Congress to unsuccessfully push for passage of an anti-lynching bill.

Prior to entering college, I knew absolutely nothing about William Monroe Trotter. It wasn't until I took an American History course that Trotter entered my consciousness. But I wasn't inclined to search out information about his life until I chanced upon this biography several months ago.

Trotter came from a family of strivers, abolitionists, and civil rights advocates (his father joined the Union Army during the Civil War and was promoted to lieutenant by war's end; he later moved to Massachusetts, where he became involved in Republican Party politics and real estate; later he received the sinecure of a position in the U.S. government as Recorder of Deeds). Trotter, an only son, attended Harvard (where he became acquainted with W.E.B. Du Bois), graduated Phi Beta Kappa in the early 1890s, went into real estate (which added to his wealth), acquired ownership of a newspaper in 1901, and began his lifelong commitment to bettering the lot of "colored people" in the U.S.

From reading "BLACK RADICAL" it became clear to me how much Trotter sacrificed --- and lost in an era characterized by the retreat (since 1877) of the federal government from upholding and supporting African American rights as enshrined in the 14th and 15th Amendments to the Constitution and widespread disfranchisement and marginalization of African Americans in mainstream society.

Unlike other African American leaders (e.g. Booker T. Washington) who promoted economic self-sufficiency at the expense of full political and civil rights for African Americans, Trotter stood out for his principled stand for full social, economic, and political rights for his people. In the process, he locked horns with a lot of people, and at times let his ego get the best of him. In reading this biography, I ached for this man who, as he entered middle age, endured a lot of personal tragedies, health complaints, and emerged as a broken man.

It is my hope that --- amid the present "Black Lives Matter" movement and the ongoing struggles for social and economic justice in the U.S. today --- more people will take it upon themselves to learn about William Monroe Trotter and keep him close to their hearts.

(My only complaint with this biography is the lack of photographs of Trotter, his family, and several of the people who figured prominently in his life. Hence, I opted to give "BLACK RADICAL" 4 stars only.)

[Casey Cep]

Reviewed this remarkable biography of William Monroe Trotter for The New Yorker: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/20...

Wonderful use of one life to illuminate a broader intellectual movement.

[Lalaa #ThisBlackGirlReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well researched and impressive biography of activist and newspaperman William Monroe Trotter. Born in Boston he attended Harvard with dreams and aspirations of forging a new world where racial equality was prominent. Trotter’s views made him both influential as well as controversial. He spoke out against racial representation, politics and black civil rights.

He began a career in real estate making him one of the wealthiest black men in New England. With his wealth, he launched the Guardian using it as a platform for his activism. The book does a great job of telling a story of a man that has been left untold for so long.

This is an informative, and well-written biography that offers context on how this prominent figure helped shape civil rights activism.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent research and writing chronicling the life of William Monroe Trotter. A forgotten figure in the fight for civil rights in America. Books like these are needed so that the true story isn't lost in the efforts to erase history.

[JRT · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Black Radical” is a tremendous account of a forgotten hero. William Monroe Trotter was ahead of his time in almost every sense. He was a civil rights pioneer, an early advocate for African diasporic unity, and a strong proponent of organized self-defense, and a Black internationalist known for advocating worldwide "colored democracy." Trotter was most known for being the founder of the Boston Guardian, a radical Black (or “colored”) newspaper started in the early 20th Century. Trotter was initially driven to start the Guardian to counteract the accommodationist censorship and racial conservatism of Booker T. Washington and the “Tuskegee Machine.” The Guardian served as the foundation for Trotter’s radical voice, and the launching pad of a number of preeminent and formidable civil rights organizations.

Committed to Black political independence and unceasing civil rights advocacy, Trotter leveraged his middle class standing and initial economic security to bridge class divides among African Americans in Boston, in an effort to break down white supremacist apartheid (“Jim Crow”). This book does a great job demonstrating how Trotter’s Guardian served as the catalyst for some of the largest civil rights movements of the time—including the movement for Black suffrage, the Brownsville Movement, and anti-lynching crusades. The book also details Trotter’s philosophy and organizational practice of political independence, noting his belief that Black people needed to prioritize their collective “race first” needs, rather than engage in partisanship and individual political patronage of political parties that are at best apathetic, and at worse white nationalist.

“Black Radical” also did a great job explaining Trotter’s disdain for white paternalism and liberalism. While much was said about Trotter’s battles against the conservatism of Tuskegee, the book spent an equal amount of time discussing Trotter’s struggle against the moderation and paternalism of the white-led NAACP (which deliberately excluded him and his radical platforms). Trotter believed that it was Black peoples’ responsibility to demand and achieve equality and democracy on their own terms. Trotter’s unapologetic, unequivocal Blackness is on display time and time again throughout the book. Trotter took on the white supremacist power structure on numerous occasions throughout his career, from confronting Woodrow Wilson in the White House, to clandestinely traveling to Paris during the Treaty of Versailles to present his Liberty League’s radical decolonial plan for worldwide “colored democracy.” Trotter was unafraid and untimidated by the power of whiteness. He was an internationalist who recognized the connection between the domination of “colored people” abroad, and the neo-enslaved position of Black people in America.

Trotter was a trailblazer, and as such, the tragedy of his story is not just in how it ends, but how it has largely been forgotten. Trotter had a massive influence on not only the Civil Rights Movement of the mid-20th Century, but on great historical Black figures (including W.E.B. Du Bois, Hubert Harrison, A. Phillip Randolph, Marcus Garvey, Cyril Briggs, and more!). His organizational imprint (the Suffrage League, the National Political Independence League, the National Equal Rights League, the Liberty League, the African Blood Brotherhood, etc.) left an indelible blueprint for future civil rights orgs, and as such, Trotter’s name should be up there with the other great freedom fighters of the 20th Century.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book about William Monroe Trotter who fought against White Supremacy and segregation in the US at the turn of the 20th century. He especially had confrontations with Woodrow Wilson’s segregationist policies and the popularity of The Birth Of A Nation film which revitalized the Klan and caused severe problems for African Americans and Immigrants.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timely. For so many reasons. Happy I picked this up during Black History Month and finished it on Super Tuesday 2020. It gives a broader perspective on how I should vote, why my vote matters and how I, as a black woman, am viewed by the major political parties and activists in different socio-economic backgrounds.

One question led me to this book: "Who were the leaders that took a more direct stance on race relations and demanded equality and equity during the Reconstruction era?" W.E.B. Dubois and Booker T. Washington were the only names whispered in a classroom setting and not much was really taught about them other than their work to show white folks at the time that black are capable of intelligence beyond white assumptions/admissions. Honestly (and unfortunately), they were a bit more class-focused and spoke up more for those on their socio-economic level (or had the means to achieve it.) Furthermore, they were pretty soft in pushing anti-lynching legislation and stopping the acceptance of segregation.
Monroe Trotter was the fiery answer to what they lacked, even with his unsteady support from politicians, decision makers and other upper class black folks. He was radical because he was a man who constantly fought for the black working class in which he was not a part of for the majority of his life (not until the tragic tail end of it). However, what he wanted shouldn't have been conveyed as radical at all. He fought long and hard for all black folks to be seen as tax-paying, hard-working citizens of the U.S. who should be afforded the same chances as their white counterparts. He wanted white people to acknowledge the pure and raw humanity of black folks in order to eliminate the violence against them. Sound familiar?

This book is not only detailed in how white-appeasing the NAACP was during its inception, but also painted a picture of how free and upper middle class black folks lived on the east coast after the Civil War well into the Reconstruction era and through the turn of the century. The political powers that be haven't changed ONE BIT. Both Republicans and Democrats then and now only care about two things: votes (that leads to power to uphold white supremacy) and money (the capitalistic foundation of sustaining white supremacy). Accounts in this book hold evidence of how the politicians at the time ignored calls against and solutions to the growing Jim Crow laws, the increase of lynching (especially against black veterans), violence against black folks, and voter suppression in the same way they ignore police brutality, mass incarceration, wage gaps and voter suppression today.

I don't have the words to express how I felt while reading this. I wish I could articulate my sorrow and disappointment while rooting for Monroe Trotter and the possibility of real change for evolving black communities in the east and struggling black communities in the South and Midwest. His fight is still a fight today. That's a hard pill to swallow.

Be warned: this book is class. It is dense; loaded with information. It reads like a history book. Filled with names upon names and committees upon committees trying to bring about change and opportunities for black folks in a society that saw (and still see) us as subhuman. No one can ever say black folks didn't try. No one can ever say black folks are currently not trying. But, maybe after reading this book and absorbing the history, black, brown and white folks alike can remember black folks like Monroe Trotter. Maybe they can admit that, just like their ancestors before them, they're just not paying attention.

[Scott Pomfret · Rating 2 out of 5]

Black Radical is a book of assertions without the facts to back them up. To be clear, I don’t mean it’s a tissue of lies. I have no doubt the facts exist, but the author has not marshaled them in a convincing way in support of her assertions. (For example, Greenidge repeatedly states how influential Trotter's newspaper was, but it seems to have routinely republished other papers' work and its subscription numbers were tiny compared to other Black newspapers.) And it doesn’t help that Trotter, for all his courage and enthusiasm, was largely a failure at everything he set himself to and (judging from this book) was also an all-around unlikable, egotistical guy.

Where Trotter did succeed was being an unrelenting opponent to the “racial uplift” of Booker T Washington that traded acquiescence in disenfranchisement for some token benefits to a small handful of Black elites. Where Black Radical succeeds is twofold: first resurrecting a vibrant Boston at the fore front of the work of opposing racism (albeit not without significant failures to recognize its own homegrown racism) and to demonstrate that Trotter's battles are not only relevant to today, but that they are the same as today. In his time as now, coalition appears to be the only hope of success. Trotter himself did not have the humility that made coalition possible, but this book gives hopes the lessons of his life will be heeded by coming generations.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an exhaustively researched book about a little-known turn-of-the-century Black activist, and a sweeping look at post-Reconstruction-era race politics, particularly in Boston. This is a biography, in that Trotter is the common thread that pulls you through the narrative, but at the same time, he, as a person, feels strangely absent at times, and not at the narrative's center. I would honestly say that this book is more a biography of a political movement, with Trotter as its main player. That being said, I learned a lot, A LOT, about early 20th century race politics that my college history classes only touched on.

This book takes us through race riots and lynchings, the insurgence of the KKK, the lame duck politicians and presidents who were willing to shake hands with Black activists but weren't willing to pass anti-lynching legislation or address segregation or take power away from states that disenfranchised their own citizens, the struggle of returning Black soldiers after WWI, the clash between racial conservatives and radicals, tensions with figures like Booker T. Washington and Du Bois, and more. SO MUCH is still so relevant to today. Trotter met a tragic end, ostensibly because he was beaten down by how little had changed in his city, his country, after a lifetime spent fighting racial inequity.

This book was a loooong read for me. But it's crammed full of the kind of history we should know, and the kind of activist we should know.

[Kyra Hahn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating story of an African American political advocate and Guardian newspaper owner. Thank you for the discovery of a new story of Black history

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly researched and beautifully executed work. It’s a nice balance if an academic work and a classic historical drama. It’s dense and will require multiple readings but if you even catch a third of Trotter’s story you will be fascinated and inspired - and entertained too. What stays with me upon listening to the audiobook over several weeks is how many different approaches black activists took and how white supremacist violence was constant. Many strategies and actions led to the increased freedom we experience today not one singular leader or strategy and there was a lot of disagreement and discussion even amongst allies. Change was and still is messy, complicated and worth it. Trotter’s story illuminates this and is emblematic of the rich and complex tradition of black liberation struggles in the USA and beyond.

[Megan Hueble · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling history of a man whose name we should all know. Greenidge is a fantastic historian and writer and tells William Monroe Trotter’s story with accuracy and compassion. I will be thinking about this book for a long time, especially the necessity of radicals and what that radicalism costs.

[Margaret Gabriele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written. A fascinating view of not only William Monroe Trotter but the time in which he lived. I grew up in Boston,so I was familiar with his name but didn't know much about him until I read the book.

[Christopher Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kerri K. Greenidge's Black Radical is the first full-length biography in decades of William Monroe Trotter, one of the less-known Civil Rights leaders of the early 20th Century. The son of a Civil War soldier, Trotter became involved in race matters from an early age, setting up shop in Boston (the former hub of abolition) to become one of his era's most formidable activists. Where Booker T. Washington preached accommodation and W.E.B. Du Bois argued for a "talented tenth" to transcend segregation, Trotter preached Black self-reliance in a way that anticipates future radicals like Malcolm X and Stokely Carmichael. He agitates against lynching, alternately allies and feuds with other Black leaders, rails against African American reliance on the Republican Party for advancement, confronts Woodrow Wilson in the White House and, most famously, tries to block the release of D.W. Griffith's The Birth of a Nation. Greenidge clearly advances from a point of admiration, and understandably so: Trotter is such a dynamic figure that it's hard not to become swept up in his advocacy. On the other hand, his brittle personality and outsized ego (neither in short supply among political activists) make it clear why many of his endeavors failed; he struggled to make any of his alliances, tactical or otherwise, lasting through his abrasiveness and unwillingness to compromise. The book takes on a melancholy cast in its later segments, as Trotter drifts farther from the mainstream, allying with Marcus Garvey's Back to Africa movement and losing his political contacts and influence, leading to a tragic demise. Like all political men and women, Trotter was a fully rounded individual of both greatness and shortcomings, which Greenidge ably captures in her compelling biography.

[Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommend this important biography of an important American. From the 1890s through the 1920s, William Monroe Trotter, editor of the Boston Guardian weekly, challenged racial segregation and disenfranchisement at all levels. He simultaneously challenged President Theodore Roosevelt's treatment of the Brownsville soldiers, advocated federal laws to enforce the 14th Amendment, and protested, local segregation in Boston. He does this throughout his career. One of the main themes of this book is that Trotter does not fit comfortably in the historiographic dichotomy of African-American thought in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries on civil rights that seems to filter all into either the camp of Booker T. Washington or that of W.E.B. DuBois. Trotter stands outside of this as the true radical who alone can bridge the gap between African-American elites and what Greenidge refers to throughout the book as the "genteel poor." Trotter's lineage and parents shaped him, as it does for all of us. In his case, it imparted a strong sense of independence in him. Like his father before him, he flirted with, but, ultimately abandoned, partisan political loyalty and practiced, instead, a form of race mugwumpery, shifting allegiances in an effort to obtain the most favorable outcomes. Trotter worked with both parties in local, state, and national levels. Overall, Greenidge, I think, sees this as a s successful policy. While Trotter worked with many other civil rights leaders, he was also prickly, egomaniacal, and difficult to work with. Sometimes he could control that, but other times (such as the Niagara Movement) he could not.

[Ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

"His ambitious plan for the Guardian to 'hold a mirror up to nature' meant that he cultivated radical black political consciousness without dictating its parameters." (102)

BLACK RADICAL is a thoroughly researched biography about a compelling and charismatic Black Bostonian leader, Monroe Trotter. Having previously only thought about Black people in Boston in relation to abolition and Harvard this book definitely gave me a greater appreciation for Black Bostonians' contributions to the fight for Black liberation in the early 20th century. At times the writing was dense and I'd have to set it down in order to properly re-engage but I learned a lot and enjoyed some of the petty stories shared. Additionally Greenridge naturally and convincingly draws comparisons between the organizing and political conditions of the post Reconstruction era and the present day, making sure the readers understand what lessons they should and should not take away from Trotter's complicated legacy. He prioritized the concerns and demands of Black working class people and had a theatrical leadership style that worked well for the moment but he was also egotistical and sexist. Many, but not all, of his speeches and beliefs hold up today but one of my favorites was his view about white people, particularly white progressives "But the two men would never agree on one simple, but significant racial reality-that white people, as Trotter put it, could not be depended upon for the type of racial justice that black people deserved" (316). Greenridge writes Trotter as a fully developed, three dimensional figure of history important for any aspiring or current racial justice activist to know.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A prescient and much-needed book on a conveniently forgotten historical figure. William Monroe Trotter embodies the truth that change requires radical action, not conservatism. Racism, Trotter believed, was a white problem, not a Black one, in stark contrast to men like Booker T Washington.

“It was a confrontation for colored people, by colored people, that introduced a different form of black activism that was confrontational and unapologetic, rather than pleading and compromising.”

Unlike his contemporaries, Trotter refused to be taken in by weak promises by politicians, and he mobilized all classes to press for change. This book traces his life and his philosophy vis-a-vis a host of other prominent activists, from Du Bois to Washington to Garvey. It is a tragic tale in that for all he won for his beloved Boston, and for Black Americans on the whole, he also confronted a world that was not much changed.

So many of the attitudes Greenidge describes are in force today. Trotter was a mercurial flawed man - what brilliant man isn’t - and yet his beliefs and dedication changed the dialogue, and should impact how we talk about confronting racism today.

Two complaints: the writing was choppy and occasionally hard to follow; second, there were parts that weren’t well footnoted, and I felt that the author did some extrapolating.

All the same, highly recommend this book! Trotter is a figure who embodies w movement we see today. It is a tragedy that his story, and his philosophy, had been buried.

[Just Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kerri K. Greenidge has done a phenomenal job of researching about William Monroe Trotter in "Black Radical: The Life and Times of William Monroe Trotter." As summarized by the author: "William Monroe Trotter (1872-1934) although still virtually unknown to the wider public, was an unlikely American hero. With the stylistic verve of a newspaperman and the unwavering fearlessness of an emancipator, he galvanized black working-class citizens to wield their political power despite the violent racism of post-Reconstruction America. For more than 30 years, the Harvard-educated Trotter edited and published the Guardian, a weekly Boston newspaper that was read across the nation. Defining himself against the gradualist politics of Booker T. Washington and the elitism of W.E.B. Dubois, Trotter advocated for a radical vision of black libertarian that prefigured leaders such as Marcus Garvey, Malcom X and Martin Luther King Jr.

Recently, I had the pleasure to visit Boston and took a tour along the Freedom Trail and saw many of the sites mentioned throughout this book. Unfortunately many of same 20th Century issues remain and have morphed from lynching to sanctioned police violence against black and brown people as the "new" battleground in the 21st Century.

[Jarad · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Like most of her neighbors, McKane wanted “the white people [to] realize that no matter how good their intentions are they cannot think in black.”...”

This quote, from Kerri K. Greendige’s Black Radical, stands out as a pithy summary of this remarkable book. Black Radical is a thorough explanation of the life and legacy of William Monroe Trotter. Trotter was the founder of The Guardian, a Black radicalist newspaper and went toe to toe with some of the country’s most powerful figures as he fought for the rights of Black people. Although he experienced privilege in his upbringing and a good portion of his adult life, this Harvard educated man emphatically challenged the policies and practices that oppressed all Black people, particularly the genteel poor. Less iconic, now, than Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois, he went to battle with both, the former for his accommodationist ideals and the latter for his elitist principles.

The book goes into great detail of all Trotter endured to simply ensure Black Americans had basic human rights. We clearly don’t know enough about this man in American history, as he is rarely brought up as one of the co-founders of the Niagara Movement (Du Bois is usually the recognizable co-founder). Greenidge also does a good job of not heaping effusive praise on Trotter. She delves into some of his faults, frailties, and idiosyncrasies. Ultimately, Trotter was a flawed human being who did all he could to leave a lasting legacy of social justice.

What really stood out to me in this book was the role faith played in the Black Radical politics of Trotter and his colleagues. Trotter was devout Christian and many of his comrades in the movement were Black radical preachers and pastors. This stands out to me because we see a lot of Black clerics who take on the assimilationist mindsets articulated by the white evangelical church. But I’m reminded, historically, Black clergy have been just as adamant as any in the constant battle for civil rights.

I recommend this book to get a view of history that oft times goes unrecognized.

[Rindge Leaphart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gets a 5 star for historical information and knowledge imparted, but a 4 star because it is a beast to read. Other reviewers call it dense and I might agree. No pain, no gain? As a native Bostonian I knew nothing about Trotter, except there is a school in Boston named after him(for some reason the author did not mention this or I don't recall seeing it).

As I read through the book, I have described Monroe to friends as someone who was doing what Martin and Malcolm were doing, but 60-70 years beforehand. This book not only sheds a tremendous amount of light on Trotter, but describes many historical incidents that most probably don't know anything about - Remember Brownsville comes to mind. Trotter was committed to the cause. Whether he had any lasting impact is hard to say. I'd love to have a conversation about the impact of Trotter.

Definitely worth a read!

[Robert Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brings to life an important fighter in American history so its well worth reading. I personally would have preferred a more popular style of writing rather than academia. It would have been helpful to have a collection of photos from the period as well.
Trotter fought for human rights for Afro Americans from the early 1900S to the the beginning of the 1930s - it is unfortunate he did not live to see the victories which his efforts and those of others of his time made possible.
The author, Kerri K Greenidge, should be heartily commended for this important work to bring our history back - as it is highly relevant to the present.
Picked up the book at the Public Library in a Black History month display.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Black Radical: The Life and Times of William Monroe Trotter / Kerri K. Greenidge. This book gives lie to any thoughts that Black people were contented with their legal situation in the North after the Civil War. Trotter, 1872-1934, devoted his life to Black equality before the law. And as the book makes very clear, there were countless people and groups sharing his views to one degree or another. In fact, the book is a bit tedious at times, as its focus is almost solely on Trotter’s immersion in organizational activities. However, I came to care increasingly about his aspirations and efforts. Black Radical, in my opinion, is a worthy, detailed consideration of one significant figure and his locale.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phew. This was a slow but fascinating read. Well, actually, listen. (The audible.com version is excellent.) This book is illuminating about the struggle for racial equality post Civil War and somewhat devastating for the realization that change comes so slow and after so much struggle. Trotter is a fascinating individual, and his uncompromising dedication to the cause was remarkable. Greenidge is an historian, so there is a wealth of detail that can slow the narrative. This book leads me to want to read more about the different people and movements in the story. Highly recommended, especially if you happen to live in Boston. Also, there is a review in the New Yorker that gives a fantastic synopsis. Written by Casey Cep who is on Goodreads and linked to it from her Goodreads page.

[Tricia Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to rate this book 5 stars so bad! I loved it and it was so needed. It honestly has altered some of my political outlooks because it speaks to modern racial politics in America. Trotter should none as unknown as he is and the answers for today may be found in yesterday. The authors repetitions and the short ended took away from an amazing volume that should be required black reading. It has some awesome research and gives a great picture of who Trotter was and his impact.
To quote the in the Acknowledgements from the author's grandfather sums it up best,...

"If Trotter were alive, none of that would have happened."

[Leanne Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true hero who deserves more recognition! Too often people think of Civil Rights as a struggle from the 60s but it was ongoing from day one of this country! Trotter spent his life to realize an anti-lynching federal law and enforcement of the 14th and 15th amendments! Sad to think voting rights are still an issue. But at least Congress is finally passing an anti-lynching law!

So many horrible cases like that of Mary Turner are so unknown, as well as lesser forms of discrimination for graduates of Harvard and Yale, who could not find jobs commiserate with their skills and education. If they did work at a white institution, the isolation and humiliation made it not worth it.

[Andrea Stephenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. I personally had never heard of William Monroe Trotter and was excited to learn more. The book is incredibly well researched. I enjoyed learning more about newspaperman William Monroe Trotter. While I have been to Boston in the past I am eager to go back to revisit some of the places spoken about in the book. Trotter spoke out against racial representation and black civil rights. This is an informative biography that introduced me to a new figure in history that helped shape civil rights activism.

[Kenneth L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m ashamed to say that although I consider myself to be learned, this is my first exposure to Monroe Trotter. The author told his story and the story of his time as a non-biased observer simply capturing the events that occurred. We get a glimpse into the more intricate details of those leaders that we gloss over a time or two a year that are familiar names to us. The book is most appropriate and inspiring considering the state of America and the need for collective action by Black people.

[James · Rating 2 out of 5]

Trotter should be interesting, but I found the first 100 pages overly thorough and boring. I understand that the Gilded Age is pretty similar to our own times, but it's also possible that radicalism, though often ahead of its time, is just...not that effective? It seems like Trotter really isn't getting much done besides being actually correct that racism is unacceptable.

[Brent Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing how someone who accomplished so much, was so involved, and was highly respected gets so little acknowledgement. Also, extremely sad and disappointed by the disunity of the people leading the struggle and all of the pain and destruction that came from it. Excellent and informative "Must Read"!

[Grete · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

This book is DENSE and well-researched. I learned quite a bit from reading this, including even more horrendous acts committed against black people. A number of them occurred in my home state of Texas and I had no clue. Shocking. This took me a while to get through, because did I mention it's DENSE??