Witness to the Truth: My Struggle for Human Rights in Louisiana

by John Henry Scott and Cleo Scott Brown

Book Overview

Witness to the Truth tells the extraordinary life story of a grassroots human rights leader and his courageous campaign to win the right to vote for the African Americans of Lake Providence,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1570034893
• ISBN13: 9781570034893
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: University of South Carolina Press
• Length: 289 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.2" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Thank You Cleo...

I just finished this book and am so glad and elated that Cleo Scott Brown decided to document her father's story. My great uncle is Francis Joseph Atlas, Sr., the other man who testified with Reverend Scott as well as the one who endured financial hardship just because he wanted to vote. My family has been in East Carroll Parish for centuries, and through this book, I have learned a ton of information that I did not have available to me. It also helps me a lot with my genealogical project. This book was written wonderfully; there were many times I couldn't put it down because I just had to know what was going to happen next! I also enjoyed the perspective from which the story was told, and the righteous spirit that Reverend Scott held onto, even when it was extremely hard to do so. Every African American owes it to themselves to read this.

Compelling history lesson that reads like a novel...

The late John H. Scott and his daughter Cleo Scott provide a griping account of the life and experiences of a civil rights pioneer. The book makes something as bland as history, something engaging and entertaining. I learned a great deal from reading this book and enjoyed every minute. Looking forward the movie...

A great start

This book is the testament of a determined person who has raised the consciousness of a parish. He along with others refused to be refused a right that many of us take for granted today. From the Scott Scholarship to the visits Cleo Brown makes to Louisiana (thank you Tallulah for bringing her October 2003!), John H. Scott lives on. His words ring out pride in yourself and hope for your community. I am challenged to not let his and others' efforts go in vain. This book, which certainly has a place in (a certain book club), should be read by every student in the Delta area. They should know that great people can come from humble beginnings. Thank you John H. Scott Memorial fund for helping me through school and thank you Cleo Brown for compiling this book to help me through life.

Outstanding!!

The book is a must read for young and old, African Americans and Caucasians, especially anyone who grew up in the South. Rev. Scott is truly one of the unsung heroes of the civil rights era. We read a lot about Dr. King and others who lead marches and demonstrations, but the stories of those who stayed in the small towns and endured the daily humiliations of a racist society are little known. Cleo Brown is to be commended for bringing her father's story to a broader audience.

Outstanding untold history !!

Wow, so much history packed into 289 pages. Cleo Scott Brown has done an excellent job of letting the world know the thoughts and dreams of her father. And what's so funny is that I live in the place that is mentioned in this book. All my life I have heard stories about what it was like to live here, from my elders, family members, friends and teachers, but no one had the spirit to put it down on paper. That is why tell all the kids that I meet two things: 1. Read and 2. Never forget your past...learn from it. This book is a must read for all those reared in Louisiana, not just the Northeast section, not just African Americans, but the whole state(all races). A lot of unknouwn facts, and timely lessons are learned starting at page one of the book. I intend to suggest it as a book selection to other reading groups.(I must confess I read it in one day...I just couldn't put it down)Mrs. Cleo Scott Brown, S.W.E.R.(Sistah's Who Enjoy Reading) gives your book a standing ovation. Rosie M.S.W.E.R Reading Club founder/president