Showdown

In 'Showdown,' Wil Haygood unveils the dramatic battle for civil rights in America through the lens of the iconic 1955 Colson's Restaurant incident in Washington D.C. The gripping narrative interweaves personal stories, revealing the courage of individuals who stood up against oppression. Haygood paints a vivid picture of a nation on the brink of change, highlighting the tensions and triumphs of the civil rights movement. As past and present collide, readers are drawn into the complexities of justice, equality, and sacrifice. This powerful chronicle leaves you questioning how far we've come and how far we still have to go.

By Wil Haygood

Published: 2016

"In the heart of a city, battles are fought not with weapons, but with stories that shape our understanding of history and identity."

ShowdownBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

Over the course of his forty-year career, Thurgood Marshall brought down the separate-but-equal doctrine, integrated schools, and not only fought for human rights and human dignity but also made them impossible to deny in the courts and in the streets. In this galvanizing biography, award-winning author Wil Haygood uses the framework of the dramatic, contentious five-day Senate hearing to confirm Marshall as the first African-American Supreme Court justice, to weave a provocative and moving look at Marshall’s life as well as at the politicians, lawyers, activists, and others who shaped—or desperately tried to stop—the civil rights movement. An authoritative account of one of the most transformative justices of the twentieth century, Showdown makes clear that it is impossible to overestimate Thurgood Marshall’s lasting influence on the racial politics of our nation.

About the Author

W

Wil Haygood

Wil Haygood is an acclaimed American author and journalist celebrated for his insightful narratives and compelling prose. Best known for his notable works including 'The Butler: A Witness to History', which was adapted into a feature film, and 'Tigerland: 1968-1969', Haygood's writing often explores themes of race, identity, and the African American experience in contemporary society. His style combines meticulous research with captivating storytelling, revealing the complexities of the human condition. Throughout his career, Haygood has contributed to esteemed publications such as The Washington Post, where his reporting has garnered widespread recognition.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Wil Haygood
Published
August 2016
Publisher
Vintage
ISBN
0307947378
Language
English
Pages
418
Genres
Social Justice MovementsPolitical HistoryPolitics and Current Affairs

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

Financial Shenanigans, Fourth Edition: How to Detect Accounting Gimmicks and Fraud in Financial ReportsBook binding

Financial Shenanigans, Fourth Edition: How to Detect Accounting Gimmicks and Fraud in Financial Reports

Jeremy Perler, Howard M. Schilit, Yoni Engelhart

No Gods, No MastersBook binding

No Gods, No Masters

Daniel Gu�rin

PRICE OF POWERBook binding

PRICE OF POWER

Seymour Hersh

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn HugoBook binding

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Taylor Jenkins Reid

Going ClearBook binding

Going Clear

Lawrence Wright

Accidental PresidentsBook binding

Accidental Presidents

Jared Cohen

A People's History of the United StatesBook binding

A People's History of the United States

Howard Zinn

The Souls of Black FolkBook binding

The Souls of Black Folk

W. E. B. Du Bois

Showing 8 of 28 similar books

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Michael Pollan's Book Recommendations

Michael Pollan's Book Recommendations

Michael Pollan is a renowned American author and journalist, celebrated for his insightful explorations of food, agriculture, and human culture. His groundbreaking book, "The Omnivore's Dilemma," published in 2006, critically examines the complexities of the modern food industry and has become a seminal work in food studies. Pollan's engaging narrative style and thorough research have earned him a place on The New York Times Best Seller list multiple times. In addition to his literary contributions, he is also a professor of journalism at the University of California, Berkeley. Pollan's work continues to influence public discourse on sustainable eating and the ethical implications of food choices.

View Collection
Alex Honnold's Book Recommendations

Alex Honnold's Book Recommendations

Alex Honnold is an American professional rock climber, best known for his free solo ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, a feat that was documented in the Oscar-winning film Free Solo. Honnold is renowned for his mental toughness, technical skill, and ability to climb without ropes or safety equipment. His accomplishments have made him a legend in the climbing world, and he continues to push the boundaries of the sport. Outside of climbing, Honnold is a philanthropist, founding the Honnold Foundation, which supports environmental sustainability projects, particularly in solar energy.

View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.

View Collection
Jon Stewart's Book Recommendations

Jon Stewart's Book Recommendations

Jon Stewart is an American comedian, writer, and former host of The Daily Show, where he gained fame for his satirical take on news and politics. Stewart transformed The Daily Show into a critical voice in American media, blending humor with hard-hitting commentary on political and social issues. After stepping down from the show, Stewart has continued to advocate for causes like 9/11 first responders and veterans' rights. He is also a filmmaker, directing the political satire film Irresistible. Stewart remains a significant figure in American culture, known for his wit, activism, and influence on political discourse.

View Collection
Ayaan Hirsi Ali's Book Recommendations

Ayaan Hirsi Ali's Book Recommendations

Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a Somali-born Dutch-American activist, author, and former politician, renowned for her outspoken criticism of Islam and advocacy for women's rights. She gained international recognition with her 2006 memoir, "Infidel," which chronicles her journey from a traditional Muslim upbringing to her eventual renouncement of Islam. As a member of the Dutch parliament from 2003 to 2006, she worked tirelessly on issues related to the integration of immigrants and the emancipation of Muslim women. Hirsi Ali has continued her advocacy through her writing, including notable works such as "Nomad" and "Heretic," which further explore themes of freedom, religion, and human rights. Her courageous and often controversial stance has earned her both widespread acclaim and significant opposition.

View Collection
Jamie Foxx's Book Recommendations

Jamie Foxx's Book Recommendations

Jamie Foxx is an American actor, comedian, and singer, known for his versatility across various forms of entertainment. He won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Ray Charles in the biopic Ray and has appeared in numerous films, including Django Unchained and Collateral. Foxx is also a successful musician, having released multiple albums and collaborated with top artists in the music industry. His ability to move between comedy, drama, and music has made him one of the most talented and respected performers in Hollywood. Beyond his entertainment career, Foxx is a philanthropist, supporting various causes related to health and education.

View Collection
Reid Hoffman's Book Recommendations

Reid Hoffman's Book Recommendations

Reid Hoffman is an influential American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author, best known as the co-founder of LinkedIn, the professional networking platform that transformed online professional interactions. Hoffman has significantly impacted the business world through his investments in notable tech companies like Airbnb, Facebook, and Zynga. As an author, he has co-written several acclaimed books, including "The Start-Up of You" and "Blitzscaling," which provide strategic insights into career development and business growth. His works are celebrated for their practical advice and have become essential reading for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. Hoffman's contributions extend beyond his literary efforts, as he remains a prominent figure in Silicon Valley, shaping the future of technology and innovation.

View Collection
Brad Feld's Book Recommendations

Brad Feld's Book Recommendations

Brad Feld is a prominent American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author known for his influential work in the startup ecosystem. Co-founder of the Foundry Group, he has played a pivotal role in funding and mentoring early-stage technology companies. Feld is also a key figure behind the Techstars accelerator program, which has helped launch numerous successful startups. As an author, he has penned several essential books on entrepreneurship and venture capital, including "Venture Deals" and "Startup Communities," which provide invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors. His writings and active blogging have cemented his reputation as a thought leader in the tech and startup communities.

View Collection

Showing 8 of 16 related collections

In the heart of a city, battles are fought not with weapons, but with stories that shape our understanding of history and identity.

Showdown

By Wil Haygood