By Esther Callens
July 2nd of this year will mark the 50th anniversary of the revolutionary piece of legislation that forever changed America – The Civil Rights Act. This momentous event has been chronicled through an outstanding book written by noted author, Clay Risen. The Bill of the Century – The Epic Battle for the Civil Rights Act is the title of this thoroughly insightful read. Giving an in-depth look into one of America’s defining moments, Risen’s narrative is must read and an invaluable part of American literature.
The 1964 Civil Rights Act outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. In doing so, schools were desegregated and fair policies were enacted for voter’s registration. These crucial issues were changed by fearless men and women who were fueled by their dreams and dared to fight for a better tomorrow. Likewise, they are the cast of characters in Risen’s book. Senators, Representatives, activists, lobbyists and businessmen fought divided and united to assure that children of today enjoy freedoms that were once denied their ancestors.
Risen gives an undiluted account of the profound battle that ensued. Ethics and politics were put to the test as arguments and speeches gave resounding yea(s) or nay(s). Clay Risen has written even the minute details of this significant event. He gives readers literally a clear feel of this prolific life-changing experience.
An editor at The New York Times op-ed section, Clay Risen was an assistant editor at The New Republic and the founding managing editor of the quarterly Democracy: A Journal of Ideas. The Atlantic, Smithsonian and the Washington Post are a few of the journals where his freelance work has recently appeared. Among his previous titles are A Nation On Fire: America In The Wake Of The King Assassination, American Whiskey, Bourbon and Rye: A Guide to the Nation’s Favorite Spirit and others.
