"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,” observed Edmund Burke centuries ago. It is an often-quoted observation because the world is reminded of its truth on a regular basis. THE LYNCHING by Laurence Leamer is a fascinating narrative of a moment in history when good people did stand up to racism, bigotry, evil and hatred. Readers of this compelling historical account will find themselves angry at silence and inaction in the face of clear injustice. But they also will find inspiration in the story of Morris Dees, an extraordinary American hero, who found a way to fight and ultimately defeat the Ku Klux Klan by resorting to the law rather than to violence.

THE LYNCHING is the story of two trials, one criminal and one civil, that arose from the tragic events surrounding the murder of Michael Donald, a 19-year-old black man living in Birmingham. In 1981, an Alabama jury heard evidence in a criminal case whereby a black man was accused of killing a white Birmingham police officer. The jury of 11 blacks and one white was unable to reach a verdict. Members of the Alabama United Klans of America were incensed by what they viewed as a legal injustice. Two Klan members, Henry Hays and James Knowles, went on a mission of revenge, seeking out a black man to kill. Donald was their randomly selected victim.

"It is endearing to read about those willing to fight injustice with more than just thoughts and prayers but with heroic action and personal risk. In these difficult times, it is an uplifting and inspiring story."

Securing a conviction against the white defendants was not an easy task. Eventually the U.S. Justice Department became involved, resulting in a criminal trial. Hays was convicted and sentenced to death, the first time in more than 50 years that Alabama had imposed that sort of punishment on a white man for killing a black man.

In most instances, that account alone would be compelling. Justice was obtained for a minority member of the community, and his family and friends could share in that outcome. But the criminal trial was actually just the opening story of what would become the real justice obtained in Birmingham.

Entering the case was Moris Dees, the founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center, an organization devoted to fighting racial injustice. Dees had observed Hays’ criminal trial and became convinced that the murder was not an isolated act, but part of a large conspiracy undertaken by the Klan and its leader, Robert Shelton. Dees began a legal crusade to destroy the Klan through a civil lawsuit, giving the Donald family the chance to obtain a financial judgment against the Klan. That battle is the crux and substance of THE LYNCHING.

Laurence Leamer is an experienced author. As a first-rate historian, he has done more than simply chronicle the events surrounding the two trials that are the book’s foundation. He has captured the era and the major actors who played important roles in the compelling story. In addition to Dees and Shelton, readers will learn of Alabama Governor George Wallace and many heroic southerners who came forward to bravely speak out and assist Dees in his legal battle. Other politicians and leaders were not so brave, and they appear in Leamer’s story as well.

THE LYNCHING revisits a sad event in American history that ended with a verdict instilling hope in the rule of law. It is endearing to read about those willing to fight injustice with more than just thoughts and prayers but with heroic action and personal risk. In these difficult times, it is an uplifting and inspiring story.