A narrative,depicts life during the 1950s and 1960s in the Centennial Hill neighborhood of Montgomery, AL. The author recounts fond, moving and even traumatic childhood memories involving her family and the families of Vernon Johns and Martin Luther King, Jr.
As our country moves swiftly into the 21st century, we often forget those who have marched, sang, prayed, and labored for the freedoms we so lavishly enjoy. Therefore, Dr. Montgomery's account of her family's personal sacrifice and involvement in the Civil Rights Movement is an invaluable resource. She stands in the gap between former generations of freedom fighters and current and future generations that have and will continue to reap the benefits of that fight. Her story offers both insight and inspiration and helps to prepare new generations of foot soldiers in the continued struggle for justice.
This is a much overdue documentation of the impact of the Civil Rights events that occurred in Montgomery between 1955-1965 and the effect on the lives of families, particularly the children. These children bore witness to the unfolding of one of the most important events in world history. Although titled Just a Neighbor, the Harris family played a pivotal role not only in the success of the Montgomery Bus Boycott but also the Freedom Riders and the Selma to Montgomery March........Thank you, Valda for sharing
Valda Harris Montgomery,PhD is an associate professor in the Clinical Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program at Alabama State University in Montgomery, AL. She is a native of Montgomery, AL and earned degrees from Fisk University, United States Sports Academy and Auburn University. She is the second child of Richard and Vera Harris. Her continued search of family history and lasting childhood memories resulted in the writing of this book.
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