Root and Branch: Charles Hamilton Houston, Thurgood Marshall, and the Struggle to End Segregation

by Rawn James Jr.

The riveting story of the two crusading lawyers who led the legal battle to end segregation, one case and one courtroom at a time. The Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education is widely considered a seminal point in the battle to end segregation, but it was in fact the culmination of a decades-long legal campaign. Root and Branch is the epic story of the two fiercely dedicated lawyers who led the fight from county courthouses to the marble halls of the Supreme Court, and, in the process, laid the legal foundations of the civil rights movement. Charles Hamilton Houston was the After becoming the first African-American on the Harvard Law Review , he transformed the law school at all-black Howard University into a West Point for civil rights advocacy. One of Houston’s students at Howard was a brash young man named Thurgood Marshall. Soon after Marshall’s graduation, Houston and Marshall opened the NAACP’s legal office. The abstemious, proper Houston and the folksy, easygoing Marshall made an unlikely duo, but together they faced down angry Southern mobs, negotiated with presidents and senators, and convinced even racist judges and juries that the Constitution demanded equal justice under law for all American citizens. Houston, tragically, would die before his strategy came to fruition in the Brown suit, but Marshall would argue the case victoriously and go on to become the first African-American Supreme Court justice—always crediting his mentor for teaching him everything he knew. Together, the two advocates changed the course of American history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History, Biography, African American, Law, Race

276 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Raven Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminds you that a very few but strong group of people fought all their lives in order to make the US a place where all people could walk, talk, and be freely. And, it makes you realize that the reason why we still have problems today is because we never actually implemented Brown vs. Board of education in every town or even in every state. We are still largely segregated and thus largely disconnected with what it means to be and love a human being.

[Violinknitter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had almost no idea of the long legal wars fought in the decades before Brown vs. the Board of Education to even make the decision possible.

The book covers a great deal of historical territory in an engaging and succinct manner. I listened to the Audible version, which was engrossing. I'm assuming the experience of reading it on the page would be similar.

I can't recommend this title highly enough.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Born in the late 1950's, I was impressed with what I didn't know about the history behind my country's racial struggles. I now have a long list of people to add to my ongoing knowledge. The only thing that prevents Root and Branch from being a 5-tar read is that it is dry and tough going in some spots, but the information to be gleaned is well worth the effort.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was the winner of this particular title from the first reads section of this site. Being a Baltimore native I thought I was pretty familiar with this portion of history especially since it dealt with Thrugood Marshall, one of our local heroes. This account of the struggle against segregation and the steps involved in that long and trying process grabbed me from the beginning. The account alternates between Thrugood and his Mentor as their lives come together and how they work toward the common goal of equal rights. The way in which this was written really make the characters and events come alive and make you impatient to turn the page and find out more. I was very impressed with this book and it will hold a permanent place on my shelves. I highly reccommend it to anyone who thinks they know how these legal battles unfolded. You will be pleasently surprised.

[Megan Cashen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lawyers as heroes is a soft spot for me. Brown v Board is such a foundational principle of today’s law, it’s startling to think how new it is and how perilous its creation was.

[Tim Elston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a first-rate biography of Houston and Marshal, two leading civil rights attorneys whose efforts led the nation from the early days of the 1930s, when black Americans were still being lynched and were not allowed to sit on juries, to the moment in history when the "separate but equal" doctrine was overturned on the grounds that segregation was inherently unequal. The author takes the reader on a journey through the crucial legal cases of these men's careers, each of which is riveting on its own terms and offers a window into a recent American past that still held African Americans under systemic discrimination. I previously knew Marshal had been a former Supreme Court justice, but I had no knowledge of his career previous to that appointment. Due to the success of his and Houston's history changing efforts, our society can look back, not least through this biography, and, despite any other political differences, esteem them with great admiration for their work that freed millions of people from America's disgraceful Jim Crow legacy.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought that a book about historical law could be so fascinating and compelling. Even though I knew the history, reading about it from this perspective made it new to me, and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.

[Elyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this in the Goodreads book give-away. The story of the lives of Charles Hamilton Houston and Thurgood Marshall was interesting, espcially when their lives intersected.

The author outlines their tireless efforts as they fought individual cases of unjust segregation in higher education and employment. All of this led to the historic Brown vs. The Board of Education suit. This is also my main criticism of the book. It seemed like the author wanted to quickly finish his book and did not spend enough time outlining the preparation for this case as well as the courtroom drama involved. Overall, if this book went a bit deeper, it would warrant a five star rating.

[Mary Alice · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book could easily have been five stars because the subject matter and insights are fascinating. But it's disorganized and often confusing. A friend has commented that this is two mini-biographies. That's true, though the book ends in 1973 and though Houston is dead, the rest of Marshall's life is a puzzle.)

I was disconcerted by the juxtaposition of the two men's lives and the mixing of personal events and professional achievements. I was also confused by the non chronological nature of the story.

Too many loose ends.

There are many stories in the book, and much compelling reading.

Bottom line: The book is well researched and interesting, but poorly written.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well-written book about two remarkable lawyers. So many interesting stories, which, among other things, provides the road map to Brown v. Board of Education. It was a 20 year journey to that 1954 decision, and Houston and Marshall were so important to this journey. Highly recommended!

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Came across this book in my search for a bio or something similar on Thurgood Marshall. Not the best for that purpose, but a very interesting history of the fight for true racial equality in the courts before the broader civil rights movement even picked up steam. Inspiring to learn about Houston and Marshall's strategies and how they picked their battles amidst some absolutely heart-wrenching, sickening stories.

That said, the rating is based on the writing, not the stories themselves. The chronology, or lack thereof, was maddening. In one chapter, Houston has remarried, and in the next, we're talking about his happy marriage to his first wife. What!? When did we jump back in time? Or, a case has been resolved, and then while talking about another case he says, "and two weeks earlier, Houston had filed suit in [insert case that's been resolved here]." This lack of a timeline is what makes it a book I can't recommend, it was so hard to follow. Also, it felt like everything was leading up to Brown v. Board of Education in the last chapter, but then fell flat in an anti-climactic conclusion that didn't give the backstory/details it did for other cases. The ending felt rushed and abrupt.

If you're already familiar with these legal battles, this could be interesting to fill in the gaps of your current understanding, but otherwise I'd keep looking.

[Naim Peress · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book that chronicles the early legal phase of the civil rights struggle. The author Rawn James, Jr. wonderfully portrays the great attorney Thurgood Marshall and his mentor, Charles Hamilton Houston. Though a history, James writes this book like a novel. Houston and Marshall become real people and not just historical figures. The book is full of vivid anecdotes, like the attempted assassination of Marshall by a Dallas police chief. A fascinating book that should be read. Has anyone read a book by this author?

[Madie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative. This book was well researched & shared lots of crucial information for American history. Thurgood Marshall truly changed the way things are done now. These lawyers put it down & fought in the courtroom to help make it better.

4/5⭐️
I love to learn more about history & expand my knowledge. This is a good book for that.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating account of the step-by-step, case-by-case accomplishments of these two pillars of the anti-segregation movement of the 20th century. I really enjoyed learning about their personalities, the legal approaches to their famous cases, and the courage it took to risk their lives for their cause.

[David Sanchez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charles Hamilton Houston and Thurgood Marshall should both be studied by all who are interested in justice and the law. There is much to learn from their dedication to their legal crafts. Unfortunately, I didn't find Root & Branch to be the most readable account of the two intertwined lives.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful read that reinforces Charles Hamilton Houston to his proper place of creating the environment that defeated segregation and still managed to keep Marshall in his own proud space. Truly a gift to learn about both men.

[Steven Yenzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fascinating story of the lesser-known civil rights cases that led to Brown v. Board of Education, and the dedicated people who won (or occasionally lost) them.

[Nicolas Pernas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical narrative of the important NAACP legal work done by Charles Hamilton Houston and Thurgood Marshall

[Karl Worsham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly excellent (and digestible) account of the legal campaign to end segregation, especially school desegregation. Also, everyone should know (much) more about Charles Hamilton Houston.

[Anthony]

Well written and informative. Brought out some interesting facts regarding how Charles Houston and Thurgood Marshall challenged discrimination.

[Wynn Drahorad · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written book on two American heroes.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rawn James Jr. has done a magnificent job of recounting decades of ceaseless, courageous work by that laid the foundation for the so-important Supreme Court victory, Brown v. Board of Education .

Mr. James made this story human and lively, even for us non-lawyers doing our best to follow one court case after another.

Narration was brilliantly done, as well, by Dominic Hoffman: What a superb combination of gravitas and grace.

Such Heroism, Countering Such Ugliness

I struggled to follow details of the disgusting ugliness of segregation in the U.S.

Disgusting, how so many racists were complicit in crimes against humanity (as I see it). Disgusting to read one horrific detail at a time. Even though I aim to never hate anyone, I was often tempted.

And My Initial Thoughts, Before Finishing this Book, Will Follow.

This astounding story of courage and ingenuity, relentless use of the law to bring about social justice... it isn't easy to read. But this story must have been SO MUCH HARDER to live.

Of course I want to learn about the day-to-day, city-by-city, work that led to the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education.

When I've finished reading this book, I'll add my review above what I'm writing here. I do plan to update as I go.

[Robert Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rawn James’ “Root and Branch” is an interesting deep dive into the pre-Brown v. Board of Education life of Thurgood Marshall and a fascinating review of the long-term strategy devised by Marshall’s mentor, Charles Hamilton Houston, to achieve the landmark Supreme Court decision. The Civil Rights Movement, for all its passion and conflict, did not just spring from the soles of Rosa Parks’ tired feet one day when she decided she’d had enough and would not relinquish her seat on a Montgomery bus. It was the culmination of decades of tireless work by a generation of reformers such as W.E.B. DuBoise, A. Philip Randolph and Walter White (just to name a few) who each, in their own way, contributed to the political, legal and moral groundswell that captured conscience of the nation in the mid-1950’s and 1960’s. Charles Hamilton Houston and his protégée, Thurgood Marshall belong to this group of inspired pre-Brown activists whose work made the Civil Rights Movement possible.

The book briefly sketches Houston’s early life (including his military service in WWI), and begins in earnest with his appointment as dean of Howard’s School of Law. At the time of his appointment the school was really little more than an unaccredited adjunct program. Houston, however, recognizing that the civil rights cause would require top flight lawyers, set about to transform Howard’s program into a fully accredited institution which, when he was done, became one of the premier law schools in the nation. One of the accredited program’s first, and ultimately, most famous graduates was Thurgood Marshall.

Working for the NAACP, it was Houston who outlined the strategy aimed to overturn the Supreme Court’s 1896 Plessey v. Ferguson decision that established “separate but equal” as the law of the land under which racial segregation was constitutionally justified. The strategy was to take Plessey at its word and embark upon a program of litigation designed to compel states to live up to their impossible obligation to provide “equal” accommodations with respect, specifically, to education. The book goes on to recount the principal cases fought by Houston and Marshall through the NAACP in furtherance of Houston’s strategy.

In addition to the many tactical battles fought on the road to Brown, the book also works well as a dual-intimate portrait of two brilliant lawyers, civil rights legends and friends. Any story of the Civil Rights Movement inevitably turns to the internal battles for primacy among competing egos. The story of Marshall and Houston, however, is the rare exception. Throughout their lives and regardless of their individual accomplishments, the two men maintained a bond of mutual respect, trust and loyalty towards each other. James’ book does a great job bringing this close relationship to life.

“Root and Branch” a well-written book that is well worth the time.

[J.D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Going into this, I have to admit my knowledge of Marshall, White and Houston was limited to what small amount would have been offered in any of my History classes. Needless to say, that did not amount to much and I being in my 20's I am of the age that has a hard time comprehending that the events in these books were so recent. I have certainly seen my share of racism in my life, but can not fathom a time where there could be such rampant discrimination(although that rabbit trail is not worth following here). Because of this, however, I find it encouraging and exciting to learn of the struggle that took place for folks that are not Caucasian males to overcome and begin to gain appropriate standards for all.

His discussion of the beginning stages of Howard Law School are among the most fascinating in the book. In fact, it almost seems as if this was one of the main events that seemed to get proper attention given towards it in such a small book. It seeks to cover what appears to be an insurmountable amount of events and time and fails to hone in on what seems to be the true focus. While everyone moves forward into the climax of these big court cases being won, we are given excess information of what precedes it as opposed to the final moments which are unfortunately rushed to an abrupt end.

All this said, however, the story is extremely fascinating, but I would just rather have read separate books on each part so I could get more detail about each. The book is extremely well researched and includes a large bibliography which can point to many other different resources that might be better suited for each part. While it did not always flow fluidly, there was still enough in it that made it very worthwhile to read.

[Jeffrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a First Reads Giveaway

In an all too brief book, Rawn James Jr. manages to simultaneously educate and frustrate the reader with excellent prose that does not delve deeply enough into the subject matter.

In dividing his limited page count, 235 pages of text plus footnotes & index, between profiling Charles Hamilton Houston and Thurgood Marshall, and illustrating their attempts to end segregation, James fails to really do service to either.

James covers the basic premise of each trial and indicates their outcome but doesn't really dive into courtroom events. Similarly he attempts to depict the relationship between Houston and Marshall but somehow can't get beyond generalizations about their personalities.

It's not that the volume does bad job of listing the events leading up to Brown vs Board of Education, but it constantly leaves the reader expecting more and doesn't deliver.

In the end, it serves as sort of a history-lite volume: better than you got in school, but probably not well suited to the dedicated history buff.

[Nate Landers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charles Hamilton Houston and Thurgood Marshall are names every African American should know. Apparently, my high school educators have omitted most of our black history with a summarization of civil rights; crediting its success to people like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. There would have not been a successful Civil Rights Movement without the earlier sacrifices of these men who judiciously fought for equality during America's darkest years. Root and Branch begins with images of inhumane treatment against blacks by white racists which compels you to turn the next page hoping for some justice. Unfortunately, the writing may not be exciting for the nonsocial reader, and drags pass the first 100-pages from court cases to appeals to its anticipated ending with the desegregation of schools (Brown vs. The Board of Education). However, the knowledge which will be obtained throughout this journey is worth making it to the end.

[Mawgojzeta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad I took the opportunity to read this book.

I found the constant introduction of new names confusing at times. This is in no way due to how the book was written, though. I knew virtually nothing about either of these fine men nor any of the other people (great and small) that Mr. James includes. That is a pretty sad testament to what history is taught to students in public schools.

I took the book slow; a few pages at my lunch break. That worked very well for me. Despite my slow progress I found the information presented in an interesting manner. I never once felt like I was being talked at. Mr. James found a nice balance, not too dry yet clearly well researched.

I hope to see more books from Mr. James in the future.

The book is going to my son next. He is 18, has no idea who either Houston or Marshall are, and wishes to remedy that.

[Wgaines · Rating 5 out of 5]

If one is interested in the fight against Racism and Segregation then Rawn James, Jr's. work "Root and Branch" is an excellent choice.

This is book although a biography, reveals the perseverance of two prominent lawyers,who sought to fight Racism through the judicial system.

This book is fill with various cases, such as Brown vs. Board of Ed, Gaines vs. Canada, and so much more.

It also give various accounts of the political machinery blocking the advancement of African Americans. i.e. A southern Senator who tried to have the 14th Amendment repealed.

I feel that Mr. James has provided the reader with a wealth of information regarding the works of Charles H. Houston and Thurgood Marshall, and one will be amazed at the effort and dedication these men sought in bringing justice for all Americans.

[David Lucander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interested in the legal history of the Civil Rights Movement and don't have time to read a ton of books? Then check this out! Rawn James basically combines Genna McNiel's biography on Charles Hamilton and Juan William's biography on Thurgood Marshall, and he does so with a third of the page count you'd have if you read these two other books. Obviously, a lot gets left out - but this book gets the job done. I love the idea of a tandem biography, and the author couldn't have picked a better duo to do so with - Thurgood and "Charlie" were like fire and water, Bellichek and Brady, oil and vinegar (get it, yet?) but they were the closest of allies in the fight for legal equality. Any teach who has ever had a prize student go on to shine knows how Houston must have felt.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. I had to read it for my American History class and am really happy that I chose this one. Shows the journey that Thurgood Marshall and Charles Houston went on the encourage civil rights, notably desegregation of schools, up until the monumental Brown v. BOE court case. It shows the many struggles the two faced working to reach equality for all and the many court cases they won while working their way up to larger scale cases as their reputations in the legal community grew . Definitely a recommended read for anyone.