Review & Comments
Praise for “Witness to the Truth”
“A spellbinding memoir….This book is so well written as told through the voice of Scott, it is difficult to put it down. Its contents also are of major importance…In a simple but profound fashion, Scott explains the rationale behind segregation and its psychological effects on whites and blacks, which is a key factor in understanding today’s racial problems.” Charleston (SC) Post and Courier
Academic Reviews
H-Net Reviews in the Humanities & Social Sciences Online, Michigan State University
Louisiana History, The Journal of the Louisiana Historical Association, Vol. XLV, No. 2. (Spring 2004)
Journal of African American History, Vol. 89, No. 3. (Summer 2004)
“A moving and powerful autobiography. Times Picayune (New Orleans)
“Though I am quite familiar with the Civil Rights movement…, the exceptional account in “Witness to the Truth” made it the most vivid that I have ever read.” William D. Pederson, Ph.D., Director International Lincoln Center, Louisiana State University, Shreveport
“Witness to the Truth” is not just ‘another’ civil rights book… should be required reading for all high school students. Columnist Boston, MA
“If someone were to ask me which two books to read regarding the civil rights era, yours would be one.” Email from author & historian (VA)
“If I were a Professor or high school teacher, I would make this book required reading.” Elementary teacher, editor
“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.” Internet Comment
“There is something about the tone of the book that is just perfect. It is a kind of objectivity that is not so far removed that there is no passion. There isn’t nothing in the book that doesn’t grab you by the gut; there’s plenty of that, but there is something about that voice that says that somehow you can deal with this, you can handle this. I’ve read things in this book that I have read other places and it infuriated me, but there is something in his voice that says, yeah that’s the way it was, now get over it and move on.” – Barbara Neely, Commonwealth Journal interview, University of Massachusetts, Boston
”Before reading this book, I rarely voted… Since reading this book, I have made a promise to myself that I WILL VOTE at every election opened to me. I honestly did not realize how much people went through so that I could stand up at the polls and vote…I have learned more in that book than in any history I have ever read.” Letter from young adult reader, Baton Rouge
“… I never understood what black people were so bothered about until I read this book. This book should be required reading for every school student.” Letter from southern white long distance truck driver
“This is a book that people regardless of race should read and discuss as America’s demographics change and the inevitable conflicts of such change occur.” Former Chief of police, Montgomery County Maryland
“The book should be required reading for all students in grades 7 – 12. I am an avid reader of biographies and autobiographies, however, I have never read a more vivid account of local history such as this book.” Internet reader.
“It provides a perspective that is so clear and truthful. Anyone who is interested in the historical perspective of the Deep South and the attitudes which prevail (ed) should read this book. AWESOME!! INSPIRING!!” Internet reader
“…should be required reading for people who cherish the achievements of the past and want to prepare for an even better future.” Journal of African American History
“‘Witness to the Truth’ ….documents America’s history in important new ways, providing facts and lessons unknown to current generations. The heroism of thousands who are not remembered energized the movement–people like Scott…. Nationally famous civil rights leaders did much, but they are symbolic surrogates for this vast army of unsung heroes whose families suffered constant peril.” Frank M. Dunbaugh, former lead attorney for voting rights in Louisiana, U.S. Department of Justice and Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General
“I thought I was fairly well educated on the Civil Rights struggle, but to read such a personal story of its impact and the courage of not only your father, …made it real in a way it had never been before.” J. N., Charleston, SC
“I will say as someone who reads A LOT, it is very well written. Your forward really pulled me in. After that I couldn’t put it down…that is until my body finally said enough, go to sleep…” Reporter, Post & Courier (Charleston)
“Spanning over 100 years, Scott’s story is a very important epic in the historiography of the American civil rights movement.” Dr. W. Marvin Dulaney, President, ASALH.
“It was a compelling story, easy to read and one of those books you don’t want to put down until you’re finished.” D. V, Myrtle Beach, SC
