Summary

“Of the Coming of John.” This chapter begins with Stevenson’s narration of his visit with Walter’s family, many of whom (including his quietly strong wife Minnie) were with him at the time when the Morrison murder happened. They welcomed Stevenson warmly, listened to him respectfully, and let him know in no uncertain terms that he had their support. As his preparations for Walter’s appeal continued, Stevenson says, he was reminded of a short story by renowned African-American writer DuBose Heyward, a story (titled “Of the Coming of John”) in which an African-American teacher, called to teach in his own community, was lynched by the people whose attempts to shut down the school he defies. Later, Stevenson writes, he heard from a man named Darnell Houston, who worked with Bill Hooks (the “jailhouse snitch” who provided “evidence” in support of the...