443 Results in the "Biography & Memoir" category


    • Chapter 28: Invictus Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin In Chapter 28: Invictus, the profound efforts surrounding the memorial services for Congressman John Lewis are meticulously detailed, showcasing the dedication of those closest to him, especially his longtime aide, Michael Collins. Collins, having worked with Lewis for years, was tasked with leading the planning for his memorial, gathering a diverse group of people, including his congressional staff, close friends, and communications professionals. The memorial services were meticulously organized over the…
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      Chapter 28

      Chapter 28 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 28 captures a moment that marks one of the lowest points in my life, a moment of sheer desperation. It was early January 2008, and after spending some time with my sons, I was confronted with the crushing realization that I might never see them again. The security guard, who had previously worked for me but was now working for Kevin, arrived to pick up my children at the end of the visit. He first placed Preston in the car, and as he came to take Jayden, an overwhelming fear gripped me. My mind…
    • Chapter 27: Lion in Winter Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 27: Lion in Winter depicts a poignant and deeply personal chapter in the life of Congressman John Lewis, exploring his battle with cancer and the unwavering dedication he exhibited to his work and ideals. The chapter highlights the enduring relationship between Lewis and his longtime aide, Michael Collins, who had been a pillar of support for two decades, managing not just his professional commitments but also offering vital personal assistance. As fall 2019 set in, Collins became increasingly…
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      Chapter 27

      Chapter 27 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 27 describes a time in my life when I felt like I was standing on the edge of a cliff, looking into an abyss. After shaving my head, I went to Bryan’s apartment in Los Angeles, where I was greeted by his two ex-girlfriends and my mother. My mother barely acknowledged me, and I felt invisible to her, like my appearance was all that mattered. It was an extremely painful reminder that the world often cares more about physical appearance than the inner struggles someone is going through. I had been…
    • Chapter 26: Montgomery, Alabama _1955 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 26 delves into the pivotal events of Montgomery, Alabama, shedding light on the broader civil rights movement that sought justice and equality. This chapter emphasizes that the struggle was not just about issues like bus integration or securing the right to vote; it encompassed a range of injustices that Black people endured daily, including racial violence. The story of Recy Taylor, a Black woman who was brutally assaulted by six white men in 1944, serves as a powerful anchor for the chapter.…
    • Chapter 26: Conscience of the Congress Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin In Chapter 26: Conscience of the Congress, the author reflects on the political turbulence at the end of Barack Obama's presidency. Although his administration had revived the economy and addressed key social issues like healthcare and LGBTQ+ rights, the nation was still grappling with racial tensions, ongoing gun violence, and an immigration crisis. John Lewis, a strong advocate for Obama during his presidential campaigns, found himself reflecting on his previous support. He had initially backed Obama…
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      Chapter 26

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 26 marks a particularly dark period of my life when everything seemed to be falling apart. Without my children, I felt a profound sense of loss, and my world became unmanageable. I didn’t know how to care for myself, and every day felt like a struggle. After the divorce, I had to leave the home I had cherished and found myself in a random English-style cottage in Beverly Hills. The paparazzi, sensing vulnerability, surrounded me like sharks sensing blood in the water, and their presence felt even…
    • Chapter 25: Teenagers in the American South_1950s Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 25 of the civil rights movement reflects the intense struggles faced by Arkansas in the 1950s, particularly over school integration. Governor Orval Faubus became a symbol of the fierce opposition to desegregation in the South, epitomizing the nationwide divide over civil rights. Despite the Supreme Court's 1955 decision in Brown v. Board of Education II, which called for the integration of public schools, Arkansas failed to take action, leaving schools segregated. By 1957, the NAACP had prepared…
    • Chapter 25: Rock Star Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 25: Rock Star delves deeply into the transformative period in American history following Barack Obama's historic election, focusing on the profound shift in racial reconciliation and healing. The chapter begins with a pivotal moment in the life of Elwin Wilson, a former Klansman who had participated in violent attacks against civil rights protesters, including notable figures such as John Lewis and Albert Bigelow. After witnessing the unity and hope ignited by Obama’s inauguration, Wilson…
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      Chapter 25

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 25 represents one of the darkest periods in my life, filled with the overwhelming weight of being a new mother while simultaneously facing intense public scrutiny. The love I felt for my children was undeniable, and in many ways, they gave me a reason to keep going. Their presence brought a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I had never experienced before. However, being a mother during this time, while also dealing with external pressures, was more challenging than I could have ever imagined. I…
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