Title: Speak truth to power : the story of Charles Patrick, a civil rights pioneer /
Authors: Dorsey, Mignette Y. Patrick.
Publisher: University of Alabama Press,
Year: 2010
Subjects: Patrick, Charles,; African Americans Civil rights Alabama Birmingham History; African Americans Alabama Birmingham Biography.; African Americans Biography Alabama Birmingham African Americans Biography.; African Americans Civil rights History Alabama Birmingham African Americans Civil rights History; Birmingham (Ala.) Race relations.; Birmingham (Ala.) Biography.
Abstract: On December 11, 1954, Charles Patrick drove to downtown Birmingham to buy a Boy Scout uniform for his son. Christmas traffic around the department stores was heavy, and Patrick circled unsuccessfully until at last a streetside spot opened up and he began to pull in. When he did so, he was cut off by a woman who ordered him out of the way, as she was the wife of a city police officer. Patrick pulled away, remarking, "He doesn't own the streets of Birmingham." The woman reported to her husband that a black man had sassed her, and Patrick was summarily arrested, charged with disorderly conduct, and placed in a cell where he was beaten by the husband and another police officer. Patrick fought back in the courts and brought his assailants to justice. --
Contents: A nigger defined -- The beating goes on -- The accused is the accuser -- Press attack on the devil's department -- Citizen soldiers aim and write -- The wheel stops turning -- Attorney tango: a lively shuffle -- Battle of the board -- Much ado 'bout civil rights -- Truth to power--a movement missed.