9781643364827

9781643364810

"Be inspired by this grassroots civil rights lawyer's quest for equity and justice Born in 1947 and raised in rural South Carolina, Lewis Pitts grew up oblivious to the civil rights revolution underway across his native state and throughout the country. A directionless, white college student, in 1968 Pitts committed to military service and was destined for Vietnam. Five years later-after a formative period in which he underwent an intellectual and moral awakening, was discharged as a conscientious objector, and graduated from law school-he embarked on an unlikely forty-year career as a crusading social justice attorney. The Life of a Movement Lawyer: Lewis Pitts and the Struggle for Democracy, Equality, and Justice chronicles how Pitts positively affected thousands of lives working in civil rights movements for social change. Beyond documenting a life well-lived and shedding light on lesser-known activists and movements, Jason Langberg in this thoroughly researched biography explores issues that continue to threaten American democracy: poverty; climate change; police brutality; voter suppression; and corporate power. Pitts' life will energize, inspire, and compel action in those who seek to continue the pursuit of increased justice for all"-- Provided by publisher.

"Be inspired by this grassroots civil rights lawyer's quest for equity and justice. Born in 1947 and raised in rural South Carolina, Lewis Pitts grew up oblivious to the civil rights revolution underway across his native state and throughout the country. A directionless, white college student, in 1968 Pitts committed to military service and was destined for Vietnam. Five years later-after a formative period in which he underwent an intellectual and moral awakening, was discharged as a conscientious objector, and graduated from law school-he embarked on an unlikely forty-year career as a crusading social justice attorney. The Life of a Movement Lawyer: Lewis Pitts and the Struggle for Democracy, Equality, and Justice chronicles how Pitts positively affected thousands of lives working in civil rights movements for social change. Beyond documenting a life well-lived and shedding light on lesser-known activists and movements, Jason Langberg in this thoroughly researched biography explores issues that continue to threaten American democracy: poverty; climate change; police brutality; voter suppression; and corporate power. Pitts' life will energize, inspire, and compel action in those who seek to continue the pursuit of increased justice for all"-- Provided by publisher.

Childhood and college

Law school and the public defender's office

The law offices of Warren and Pitts

Antinuclear movement

Labor and racial justice movement in Greensboro, NC

Defending black movement leaders and activists (Part 1)

Defending black movement leaders and activists (Part 2)

Movement to restart local government in Keysville, GA

Detour to expose the Iran-Contra affair and those behind a bombing in Nicaragua

Movement against corruption in Robeson County, NC (Part 1)

Movement against corruption in Robeson County, NC (Part 2)

Movement to protect Gullah culture on Daufuskie Island, SC

Movement to protect abused and neglected children

"Majorly traumatic" end of an era

Finding stability while still fighting for justice (1994-2015)

Civil legal aid

"Off the clock" activism and pro bono work

Personal and professional transitions.

Civil rights movement > United States > History > 20th century.

Civil rights lawyers > United States > Biography.

Lawyers > United States > Biography.

Lawyers > North Carolina > Biography.