A Time to Speak: The Story of a Young American Lawyer's Struggle for His City―and Himself

In "A Time to Speak: The Story of a Young American Lawyer's Struggle for His City―and Himself," readers are thrust into the tumultuous climate of the American South during the Civil Rights era, through the eyes of Charles Morgan Jr., a white lawyer in Birmingham. Published on February 1, 2022, this gripping memoir is set against the backdrop of the tragic 1963 bombing at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, which catalyzed Morgan's transformation from a well-regarded lawyer to a fervent advocate for racial justice. The book recounts the day following the bombing, where Morgan publicly condemned the white middle-class of Birmingham for their implicit role in the violence, marking a pivotal moment that ended his local career but heralded his national significance. As Morgan relocates and furthers his commitment to legal reforms, including pivotal Supreme Court victories, his story is a powerful lesson in moral courage and the ongoing fight against racial prejudice. Ideal for high school readers, this narrative not only educates about historical racial injustices but also inspires a new generation to advocate for equity and justice.