A vivid tapestry?at once joyful and deeply sobering?Judge Thomas?s memoir teaches us what it means to come of age as a just human being. Everyone who seeks to understand this country at the turn of the twenty-first century will learn much from the complex alchemy of race and education that threads through these life stories. Anyone with a passion for learning and work will delight in his compelling voice.
Katherine A. Rowe, President, College of William and Mary
The Poetic Justice offers a remarkable account of a remarkable life. John Charles Thomas?s brilliance, eloquence, and passion for justice propelled him from a childhood in segregated Virginia to, among other accomplishments, service as the first Black and youngest justice of the highest court in the Commonwealth of Virginia. With his authentic voice and unique perspective, he has written a deeply personal portrait that both provides powerful insight into the history of race and law in America and reveals the crucial role he himself has played in changing the trajectory of that history over the past seventy years.
Risa Goluboff, Dean and Arnold H. Leon Professor of Law and Professor of History, University of Virginia School of Law
As our nation continues to struggle with the historic context of growing up Black in America, John Charles Thomas?s autobiography takes on added importance. Born and raised in Norfolk?s section of "Colored Town" just a few blocks away and a few years earlier, I was profoundly moved and inspired by his story. This book tells of the triumphant journey of a man who rose above the bitter barriers of poverty and racism to rewrite the destiny which trapped so many of us who grew up during the times of society?s "inconvenient truths."
Tim Reid, award-winning actor, director, producer
Wonderfully written, with an honesty and openness that provides a very clear sense of what it was like to walk in Thomas's shoes. Many of the stories are infused with a palpable emotion, and the detail that he is capable of recalling is stunning. I?ve now made my way through The Poetic Justice twice, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is an important addition to the long list of high-impact contributions to the Black community, Virginia, and America.
Kendrick F. Ashton, Jr., former member of William and Mary's Board of Visitors and Virginia entrepreneur