Righteous Troublemakers: Untold Stories of the Social Justice Movement in America

by Al Sharpton

Bestselling author Reverend Al Sharpton brings to light the stories of the unsung heroes of the Civil Rights movement, drawing on his unique perspective in the history of the fight for social justice in America “This is the time. We won’t stop until we change the whole system of justice.”—Rev. Al SharptonWhile the world may know the major names of the Civil Rights movement, there are countless lesser-known heroes fighting the good fight to advance equal justice for all, heeding the call when no one else was listening, often risking their lives and livelihoods in the process.Righteous Troublemakers shines a light on everyday people called to do extraordinary things—like Pauli Murray, whose early work informed Thurgood Marshall’s legal argument for Brown v. Board of Education, Claudette Colvin, who refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus months before Rosa Parks did the same, and Gwen Carr, whose private pain in losing her son Eric Garner stoked her public activism against police brutality. Sharpton also illuminates the lives of more widely known individuals, revealing overlooked details, historical connections, and a perspective informed by years of working on the front line of the social justice movement, to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the wheels of justice and the individuals who have helped advance its cause.  

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Politics, Race, Social Issues

309 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 11, 2022

About the author

Alfred Charles "Al" Sharpton Jr. is an American Baptist minister, political and civil rights/social justice activist, and radio talk show host. In 2004, Sharpton was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. presidential election.

Sharpton hosts his own radio talk show, Keepin It Real and and his own TV show, Politics Nation on MSNBC.

Sharpton's supporters praise "his ability and willingness to defy the power structure that is seen as the cause of their suffering" and consider him "a man who is willing to tell it like it is". Donna Wilson, host of a talk radio program on WWRL in New York City, said of him that "Al Sharpton was born to lead".

Sharpton's critics describe him as "a political radical who is to blame, in part, for the deterioration of race relations". Conservative writer and activist David Horowitz has called Sharpton an "anti-Semitic racist", sociologist Orlando Patterson has referred to him as a racial arsonist, and liberal newspaper columnist Derrick Z. Jackson has called him the black equivalent of Richard Nixon and Pat Robertson.

Sharpton sees much of the criticism as a sign of his effectiveness. "In many ways, what they consider criticism is complimenting my job," said Sharpton. "An activist’s job is to make public civil rights issues until there can be a climate for change. So when people get angry at me for raising these issues and making them public, well, that’s my job! That’s what I’m supposed to do. If I could not get the public’s attention on an issue, then I’m not a good activist."

Reviews

[David Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Righteous Troublemakers: Untold Stories of the Social Justice Movement in America by Reverend Al Sharpton (Hanover Square Press 2022) (323.092) (3665).

This book is the Reverend Al Sharpton’s most recent publication. As promised, it contains fascinating biographical information about some less notorious civil rights activists that certainly deserve more recognition for their contributions in the struggle for civil rights for Black Americans.

After reading Righteous Troublemakers, I have two new heroes. These two are men whose names I knew from the historical record but whose bravery and accomplishments I had never properly appreciated. My newest heroes are Hosea Williams and Mose Wright, for they each rose to the occasion at a time when their individual acts of courage changed the course of history.

Hosea Williams stepped up time after time as an associate of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when a tough, brave, and hard point man was needed to physically step out front to lead.

Mose Wright (Emmet Till’s uncle), the man from whose home Till was kidnapped before being tortured and murdered, demonstrated unspeakable courage when he identified and accused the boy’s murderers in a Mississippi courtroom.

The author pays respect to some of the newest martyrs to the cause (George Floyd, Trayvon Martin) and provides details of the incredible acts of bravery of several others (Mamie Till, Mary E. Parrish).

My sole criticism of this volume is this observation: the book could have certainly done with a LOT less self congratulation, self-promotion, and self-aggrandizement from the Reverend Al Sharpton. His contributions to the cause of civil rights may be immense, but the author should have the good sense and the decency to allow others to award him accolades rather than heaping credit upon himself.

Sharpton may belong in the pantheon of important figures in the civil rights struggle, but he would be much better served if he waited for someone else - anyone else - to promote him to such exalted status. It strikes this reader as foolish and as the height of arrogance that the author would claim such a mantle for himself.

My rating: 7/10, finished 7/20/22 (3665).

[Ernestine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rev. Al Sharpton, another Block buster. A must read for this time of turbulence in the United States of America. Rev AL tells the unadulterated truth about what really happened behind the scenes and the cover up of the facts. A real eye opener. The History that can't be ignored. Embracing the facts and working in unity for solutions.

[Willie Kirschner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very interested in the stories of the unsung heroes, but was not as interested in Sharpton’s autobiographical material.

[Sophie Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I did enjoy learning about the various “righteous troublemakers” I wished the book was a bit more structured.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

A reluctant 3 stars but a review and rating I’m willing to give.

The stories included are inspirational and heart-wrenching. They are empowering and shocking. 10/10 for telling new stories of fights I was unfamiliar with and for recounting old and familiar stories in enlightening and new perspectives.

The insertion of Sharpton’s own experiences within these stories is not necessarily a bad thing, but one that certainly takes away from the power of the message. It forces the book to read as a semi-biography rather than one of social studies and call to action.

I went into this looking for lessons and takeaways on the role of faith in these particular struggles. It wasn’t until the end that the power and purpose of faith is really discussed, and only for 2-3 pages. Throughout the book you see religion/faith play a key role in motivating these actors, but the Rev. does little to build upon, explain, or tell the reader why.

There’s also just some rather poor writing moments that I think dull the narrative. There are also comments made on policing and politics I do not necessarily agree with, and moments I felt I was thinking more progressively. But rather than take away for political disagreements, I am willing to rate higher than intended. I love the sections on non-violence and disruption, but again, there seems to be little digging into the “why” and more emphasis on the story, which I was not expecting.

Overall it is a quick and encouraging read, and the last sentence of the last chapter was an incredible appeal to fight. While I came looking for deeper educational material, the stories are nevertheless empowering and heartfelt. This book has the potential to light the spark that sets the fire in the hearts of some, we just need to get the book into their hands.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are good stories, necessary stories for the times we're living in, ones that focus on people just outside the limelight of social justice struggles, modern and historical. This book broadens the perspective and includes people with intersectional identities, like Pauli Murray, who are too often forgotten.

The writing is charming and reads well. Stylistically, I enjoyed it very much; however, it may not have universal appeal. Some of the font choices made reading more difficult - light/thin lettering - but it also helped break up the text into comfortable sections, even though chapters were long.

The writing is at times very religious, but I knew Sharpton is a reverend when I picked up the book, so... That said, he is very inclusive of LGBTQIA people, especially for his age and background, and that felt really good to read. Also good with women's issues.

I appreciated being able to read about recent events (George Floyd, voter suppression) from the perspective of someone able to take a long and mostly hopeful view. The reason I picked this one up was that I enjoyed Sharpton's contributions to Conversations in Black (Gordon) several years. I wasn't disappointed.

Overall, would recommend as lighter/less academic reading on social justice issues and history for general readers of nonfiction. Suitable for high school students in terms of content and readability.

[MaryAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are going to write a memoir, write a memoir.
If you are going to write a biography of less well know figures of the civil rights movements - do that.
Unfortunately, Mr. Sharpton took an excellent idea for a book, a useful book, and seemed unable to get out of his own way enough to execute it. I
The parts of the book that were the stories of "righteous troublemakers" was quite good. There just was not nearly enough of it. Over half of the book is his story. It's a fine story but included entirely too much self-aggrandizing and name dropping which detracted from the stories of others. I also fear that placing these other stories within the context of the Chauvin trial limits the reach of the book. The stories included here deserve to be told in a format that will stand the test of time.

[Ziv · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
This was a good book telling stories about the forgotten civil rights leaders and activists who were associated with and overshadowed by bigger more known and recognized civil rights leaders and social justice figureheads. All of these people were connected by the Reverend Al Sharptons experiences and tie into his work and the people he has met. In between these heroes stories there is background information on major events in civil rights history that they are connected to. While being a very interesting story I would have preferred if it didn't follow Al Sharptons life and work as closely and was less focused on NAN and religion and more on unsung heroes but overall I really liked this book and would recommend it to others.

[Aubrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

5 stars for the information about the "untold stories of the social justice movement in America" and the unsung heroes of the movement. 2 stars for the author inserting himself into the narrative and making the story about himself. I would have enjoyed this book a lot more if the information had remained focused on the unsung heroes of the social justice movement, but that's not the case here. The book was marketed incorrectly as it is more of an autobiography with the focus being on the author.

[Lu Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

I see where people have an issue with thinking this book is autobiographical. However, the majority of these essays are based on personal experience of a respected and well known activist who has first hand experiences with the righteous troublemakers. Rev. is able to bring more emotional charge with facts by writing from personal experience.

[Zak Henry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative and inspiring and shedding light on people who too often get overlooked when speaking on social justice in America. I only gave it 3 stars as I listened to the audiobook and Rev. Al’s pace was very monotonous, which I found surprising given how he usually can be so uplifting.

[Kenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 This book is a little unorganized but a great read for BHM. Many of the stories you may have heard, some I hadn't or didn't know a lot about. All important. And from the unique view of someone who has worked with and known many of these families.

[HTP Books]

Categories
Social Activists Biographies & Autobiographies, Civil Rights, African American & Black

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear, easy to read, insight from Rev Sharpton. Delivered with empathy and humility.

[HTP Books]

Civil Rights, Social Activists Biographies & Autobiographies, African American & Black

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is actually very helpful right now.

[Stephen Sauls · Rating 4 out of 5]

People on a mission

There are many people that work in the background of the civil rights movement that most of us never hear about. The book shows the love of money by some and the fear of those 'others' by the poorly educated cause so-called civilized people to act in ways detrimental to their own well-being.

The bottom line is many people sacrifice their life for good, while many standby and watch while others are being sacrificed.

[liam bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was rly good x

[Savannah Graziano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much, this was excellent