Book description
The familiar story of civil rights goes like this: once, America's legal system shut Black people out and refused to recognize their rights, their basic human dignity, or even their very lives. When lynch mobs gathered, police and judges often closed their eyes, if they didn't join in. For Black people, law was a hostile, fearsome power to be avoided whenever possible. Then, starting in the 1940s, a few brave lawyers ventured south, bent on changing the law. Soon, ordinary African Americans, awakened by Supreme Court victories and galvanized by racial justice activists, launched the civil rights movement.In Before the Movement, acclaimed historian Dylan C. Penningroth brilliantly revises the conventional story. Drawing on long-forgotten sources found in the basements of county courthouses across the nation, Penningroth reveals that African Americans, far from being ignorant about law until the middle of the twentieth century, have thought about, talked about, and used it going as far back as even the era of slavery. They dealt constantly with the laws of property, contract, inheritance, marriage and divorce, of associations (like churches and businesses and activist groups), and more. By exercising these "rights of everyday use," Penningroth demonstrates, they made Black rights seem unremarkable. And in innumerable subtle ways, they helped shape the law itself--the laws all of us live under today.Penningroth's narrative, which stretches from the last decades of slavery to the 1970s, partly traces the history of his own family. Challenging accepted understandings of Black history framed by relations with white people, he puts Black people at the center of the story--their loves and anger and loneliness, their efforts to stay afloat, their mistakes and embarrassments, their fights, their ideas, their hopes and disappointments, in all their messy humanness. Before the Movement is an account of Black legal lives that looks beyond the Constitution and the criminal justice system to recover a rich, broader vision of Black life--a vision allied with, yet distinct from, "the freedom struggle."
About the Author
Dylan C. Penningroth is associate professor of history at Northwestern University. In 2012 he was named a MacArthur Foundation Fellow.
Shady Lady
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. Looping playback is an invaluable study tool. It helps me absorb complex information effortlessly. It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
Burst Nibbler
With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. I'm grateful for this app β it's made reading a part of my everyday life. πΌ Balancing responsibilities with relaxation β audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. π»π
Venom Charms
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio β it caters to different preferences. Kudos to ListenBook for optimizing the app for iOS 16 β it shows their dedication to excellence. π Farewell, boredom during ironing sessions β audiobooks make it a breeze! ππ§ Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Acid Queen
I'm absolutely in love with this app! It's like a library of stories in my pocket. With this app, reading is as simple as pressing play β it's genius! With ListenBook, I've rediscovered my love for audiobooks. The binaural audio processing is a game-changer for comfortable, fatigue-free listening. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
Centurion Sherman
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. Audiobook immersion without complications β this app's ease of use is commendable. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's thoughtful features, such as statistics tracking and audio filters, have added a new layer of excitement to my reading journey. πβ¨ Drag and drop downloads directly from my web browser? That's a level of convenience I appreciate. Navigating through chapters has never been easier. It's a user-friendly delight.
Grinch Cheese
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. This app's sleek design and intuitive features make it my trusted partner in exploring new narratives. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library.
Frosty
Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. ππ is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and efficient. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Toy Peep
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app is your new best friend. ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly.
Digger
ListenBook's sleek interface and precise controls make it a joy to use during my daily listening sessions. I'm thrilled that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features to cater to all types of users. π This app is a testament to thoughtful design β its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. πβ¨ This app is a game-changer for audiobook lovers! The interface is clean and easy to use. The narration elevated an already good book to greatness! The performer's subtle vocal variations conveyed nuance I might have missed while reading. Their ability to maintain consistent character voices across many hours was impressive. Technical quality was flawless throughout.
Bug Fire
The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow. The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts.
Sweetness
π± Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap β this app is my digital library card! ππ± Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. ππ§ ListenBook has rekindled my love for audiobooks. The app's interface is beautiful and user-friendly. Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze.
White Swan
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. Kudos to the creators for crafting an app that understands audiobook lovers. With smooth playback and thoughtful design, it's a true companion for book enthusiasts. ππ
Screwtape
This app is a true gift for book lovers β it's like having a personal library wherever I go. The range of self-help and personal development audiobooks is truly enriching. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, thanks to this app. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience.
NemesisX
This app's convenience has made my downtime more rewarding and enriching. π©βπ³ Cooking up a storm while enjoying thrilling stories β this app adds flavor to my meals! π³π§ I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience so effortless. From downloading to playback, it's a true companion for book lovers. ππ« ListenBook's audio filters are a valuable tool for customizing my audiobook playback to perfection. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks seamlessly. Very convenient.
Crazy Rox
With ListenBook, I can enjoy a wide range of audiobook formats without any hassle, making my listening experience seamless. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. I've never experienced such a smooth audiobook player. The playback is seamless.
Manly
This app's convenience has made my downtime more rewarding and enriching. Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing.
VisionVortex
Bookmarking on ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off β no more searching for my spot! I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats β it's a true lifesaver. Audiobooks have become my go-to entertainment, and this app is the reason. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. What a fantastic listening experience! The narrator brought the characters to life with distinct voices and emotional depth. The pacing was perfect - not too fast to lose details, not too slow to become boring. I particularly appreciated how well the narrator conveyed the atmosphere of key scenes.
RealmRanger
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. π± My secret to staying well-read β this app ensures that I'm never without a book, no matter where I am! ππ± The layout is not only beautiful but also intuitive. Controls are easy to access.
Die Slice
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! πΆ Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators β audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. π΅π ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature is a time-saving convenience that I greatly appreciate. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Kabuki
An audiobook lover's dream come true. So many options, I'm in heaven! Looping playback has revolutionized my study sessions. I'm learning faster than ever. The app is perfect for multitaskers. I can listen while working out.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience