A Distant Light: Kentucky's Journey Toward Racial Justice

by Bill Cunningham

In A Distant Light, Judge Bill Cunningham exposes racial injustices from Kentucky's bloody past. By the example of courageous leaders, Governors A.O. Stanley and Ned Breathitt, the dark days of lynching and murders give way to a brighter future for all Kentuckians, regardless of color. This is a true story of murder in Calloway County and a daring, quick-thinking Governor Stanley, armed only with his eloquence, who confronts an enraged mob.

328 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2005

About the author

After serving the court system in several capacities, Bill Cunningham was elected to the Kentucky Supreme Court in 2006. He and his wife, Paula, have five sons.

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

All students of KY history & Politics and civil rights should read this book

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was our assignment for the local library book discussion. It was a treat to have the author present, as he is passionate about far western Kentucky history. Our area is special in many ways, and is truly a world of its own. In the early 1900s, the struggle of the black man to find his place in southern society came with many misunderstandings. This story of the accusations against Lube Martin, his subsequent trial and hanging, sheds some light on the search for real justice and the heroes who did their very best to get it done.
I really enjoyed the fact that this story spotlighted Murray, KY and the surrounding counties, including my own, and I came to a better understanding of the current mind set. It's a positive experience when you let history point out talents and flaws, as this is how we learn to do better in the future.

[Polly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Judge's books. He is such a prolific author and is still relatively unknown. I have learned so much of western Ky. history from his books and am always anxious for the next.

[Judi Little · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since this was a true story about the history of our little town in Western KY, it was a fascinating read.