Lay Bare the Heart: An Autobiography of the Civil Rights Movement

In "Lay Bare the Heart: An Autobiography of the Civil Rights Movement," James Farmer, a pivotal yet less celebrated figure among civil rights titans, shares an intimate portrayal of his journey through the heart of America's struggle for racial justice. Born into the harsh realities of segregation in Texas, Farmer rises as an impassioned leader, founding the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) in 1942 and pioneering the tactics of nonviolent protest that would define a generation. This powerful narrative weaves through the 1950s and 1960s, exploring the triumphs and internal conflicts of the movement. Farmer's candid reflections reveal encounters with influential figures like the Roosevelts and the Kennedys, offering rare insights into the dynamics that shaped pivotal moments in American history. First published in 1985 and reissued in 1998 with new insights from historian Don Carleton, this autobiography is essential for college students and anyone seeking to understand the complexities and courage of the civil rights era.