Bryan Stevenson’s Just Mercy: a story of Justice and Redemption was a complete eye opener. The book was a real reflection of who we are. What we think about people who are different from us. Just Mercy focuses on racism and injustice against blacks. Bryan fights for his poor black clients’ rights, facing the absolute hatred of the people in Georgia. He founded Equal Justice Initiative, an organization that assists those falsely accusing.
Stevenson’s very first case involved Walter McMillian. A young man sentenced to die for a crime he claimed he did not commit. Stevenson’s very first meeting with Judge Robert E. Lee Key. Lee warned Stevenson in a public statement not to take the Walter McMillian matter on. Walter McMillian may be the largest drug dealer in Southern Alabama, he says. Is it true? Or is this his view of all Blacks? This book was a real eye-opener. Some people really did think that someone is different based on their skin tone. I can’t imagine how anyone could justify that.
Lee continues his encouragement to Bryan, telling him that Walter is a “bag-guy”; but Bryan refuses. He has taken up the cause of his poor clients. Lee then says he will do no favors for Bryan in the trial. He is angry that Bryan supports the blacks instead of letting their trial go on and losing. Walter was placed in Alabama’s death penalty because of a false accusation. McMillian is about to be executed for a criminal offense he didn’t commit. It is believed that a man (white) ordered him to kill a victim. As false evidence builds up, it makes Stevenson’s task even harder. The public will begin to hear about this, making Stevenson’s work even more difficult. The author shares his personal experiences of people whose lives and actions have taught him the importance of compassion and optimism. McMillian was a very successful and respected man throughout the entire process, as shown by his narration. The author’s efforts and goals were very successful. For example, he was able to “get Walter’s conviction overturned and reduce his sentence, as well as bring the systemic problems raised by Walter’s experience to the public’s attention.”
This story has a much bigger message than just racism and injustice. I believe that this story shows us that you cannot always trust what you see or hear. Trust your instincts. Don’t follow your neighbor just because everyone else does. Bryan Stevenson was a man who stood up for his beliefs and did what he thought right. This book is a must-read for anyone who does not understand the injustice and racism that many people experienced.
Works Cited
Both original and paraphrased works would be cited the same way, with the same format and components.
Equal Justice Initiative. Walter McMillian. Eji.org/cases/Walter McMillian/.
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