A Nation of Lords: The Autobiography of the Vice Lords
"A Nation of Lords is an important contribution to understanding survival on the most dangerous streets in America--a book that provides insight into the problems facing young people living in cities throughout America. David Dawley's work as a community organizer is testimony to the power of individual commitment, and the success of the Vice Lords demonstrates that neighborhoods can be revitalized and lives can be saved when people of all ages have a stake in their community. The voices in A Nation of Lords need to be heard, and Dawley's incredible adventure in the Sixties should inspire all of us . . . to increase our efforts to help the youth of America." --Jack Kemp"A Nation of Lords is hard-hitting, persuasive and appeals both to those on the program and policy level. With the atomizing of family and neighborhood, we need public attention to this issue now more than ever." --John A. Calhoun, National Crime Prevention Council"A Nation of Lords reminds us that something can be done if the will and resources are made available to turn matters around. This book should be read by everyone who cares about our cities." --James Diego Vigil, UCLA"Dawley deserves recognition not just for the programs he developed as 'a white Vice Lord,' but for taking readers into Chicago's toughest streets without getting them hurt. Having been a Cook County prosecutor before serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, I know from experience that the streets where Dawley worked are not friendly to strangers. Like everybody else who knew Lawndale in the Sixties, I have no idea how he survived. This is a great book, a timeless story of people and power with important implications for public policy." --Marty Russo, Retired member of Congress"Everyone interested in decreasing the racial and economic tensions that divide our country must read A Nation of Lords. This book reveals a powerful strategy for building our nation's most under-resourced communities." --Wendy Kopp, Teach For America