Black History Month: An Autobiography of a Supreme Court Justice and His Grandfather

     There are many controversial figures in history that have stirred the "pot" in their own particular way.  Today's subject of this blog is no different.   This book was published October 2007 by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.  When first looking at the title one would think that Justice Thomas would be writing about his father, but he's actually referring to himself.   My Grandfather's Son is a deeply inspiring tome that will have the reader turning the page wanting to find out more.  Whether you are a political junky, or a fan of Justice Thomas or not, this book is inspiring.  One doesn't need to have to "like" the person to read their story but it may just help understand the famous figure a bit better.  Perhaps, there is a chance of even liking him, even a lit bit. 

    Justice Thomas story is not a new one.  Most African American males his age have a similar story to tell.  Historically it is know that many struggled with injustices and racism. A majority of African American children grow up in single-parent homes.  Most often raised by a mother who struggles to keep ends meet by being on welfare or working low paying jobs to keep the bills paid.  Most children find themselves falling prey to gangs, crimes and violence at a young age only to be caught up in an never ending cycle.  This did not happen to young Clarance and his brothers.  His maternal Grandfather, raised him on a small farm in South Carolina.  Work was plenty,  discipline was tough which made for the right combination of setting Clarance on the right path.  

    From Justice Thomas' recollection,  his Grandfather was tough and often times the two did not see eye to eye.  For Thomas, he saw his grandfather as a man of conviction and correction.  The tone of his writing bears this out and as the reader follows the narrative, the eventually come to the same conclusion as the author. The sacrifices that his Grandfather made were made out of love and devotion to his grandchildren.  All three of them.  There is a warmth and appreciation that always comes with age and years of introspection. 

    A quick note about Thomas' formative years in education is appropriate to point out at this time.  He is the product of a Catholic education and recalls stories of strict teachers who were also nuns and priests. Anyone who was a Catholic school  student in the 1950's to 1970's can identify with Thomas on the education philosophy of these schools.  Work hard.  Learn from mistakes.  Never, ever talk back to your  teachers.  One memory that the Justice shared was when a priest corrected him on his writing and told him  that with his writing skills he would not be taken seriously because  it lacked coherency. It lacked style and grammar.  Thomas openly admits this could have made him angry and resentful. Perhaps it did for a moment but eventually he came to understand that if he were to be successful in any field, he had to learn the skills  needed to climb up the ladder.   More than likely,  it was his Grandfather's influence that taught him obey the rules,  do what you are told and succeed to the best of your ability.   

    What is surprising about this book is that it waits until the end to speak about the confirmation hearings that made his name a household one.    His views and reactions to the media, Anita Hill and certain Senators who  made his hearing a "circus" (this is strictly my opinion), are not fully discussed.  Perhaps that is a good thing because it is not the hearings that made this man an outstanding judge.  It was his upbringing and much credit to his Grandfather.  The hero of this story,  it would be safe to say, Thomas' hero as well.  I couldn't think of a better hero.  

As stated previously, this is one of the best autobiographies to be published in the past twenty years.  It is not written in boorish language that seeks to impress the reader about the author's greatness.  It's tone is simple and easy as if one were sitting at a kitchen table or in a library listening to the Judge talk about his life.  A definite must read.   Especially for this month we call Black History Month.