In "Mob Violence and the American Negro: My Experience in the Sunny South," Velley Lester provides a chilling and eye-opening account of the pervasive racism and violence endured by African Americans in the Southern United States during the early 20th century. Lester's firsthand experiences as a young black man navigating the treacherous waters of Jim Crow-era America lend authenticity and urgency to his narrative.
Through vivid and haunting prose, Lester recounts numerous instances of mob violence, lynching, and discrimination that he witnessed and personally endured. His descriptions of the fear, anger, and despair felt by African Americans in the face of systemic oppression are deeply moving and thought-provoking.
Lester's courageous decision to speak out against injustice, even at great personal risk, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of bearing witness to the atrocities committed in the name of racism. His unflinching honesty and unwavering commitment to truth make "Mob Violence and the American Negro" a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the enduring legacy of racism in America.
Book Description:
According to the author of the Preface, "Mr. Lester is also zealous to bring about a better relation and a better understanding between the white and black races. His denunciation against mob violence is bitter, but pleads for just treatment and a fair deal in court and equal protection from the authorities of the law."