Review: The Gentleman From Ohio Examines the Impact of Louis Stokes

The Gentleman from Ohio 
Louis Stokes with David Chanoff
(Trillium, $32.95)

With characterist humility and strength, Louis Stokes recounts how he, a paper boy with a love of law and little hope of a college education, became a major political force who fought for the rights of the underrepresented. Finished just before his death, this is more than Stokes’ story. Along with detailed accounts of his work — such as the Terry v. Ohio stop-and-frisk case, Stokes weaves touching tales of family (especially his mother, Louise, brother, Carl, and wife, Jay), as well as civic leaders and friends who fought alongside him for racial equality. Today, this book inspires us to re-examine how we can ignite true change.