"My Soul Is Rested" is a nonfiction book by Howell Raines, first published in 1977. The book provides a detailed account of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s, as told through the voices of the participants themselves.
Raines, a journalist who covered the Civil Rights Movement for The New York Times, conducted extensive interviews with activists, organizers, and leaders of the movement, as well as with ordinary people who participated in protests and demonstrations.
The book is structured chronologically, beginning with the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955 and ending with the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968. It covers major events such as the sit-ins, the Freedom Rides, and the March on Washington, as well as lesser-known incidents and local struggles for civil rights.
Through the words of the participants, "My Soul Is Rested" offers a vivid and compelling account of the personal experiences, sacrifices, and achievements of the men and women who fought for racial justice during this tumultuous period in American history. It also provides insights into the strategies and tactics employed by the movement, as well as the challenges and obstacles it faced along the way.
In addition to its historical significance, "My Soul Is Rested" is also a powerful and moving tribute to the courage and determination of the people who fought for civil rights in the face of violence, intimidation, and institutionalized racism. The book remains an important work of journalism and a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the history and legacy of the Civil Rights Movement.