Summary

In Part III, Chapter 38, “Montgomery, 1973,” the trial is held “in the Montgomery federal courthouse” and “become[s] a national story” (261). Throughout the trial, more information surfaces about the many Black women sterilized without consent.

Meanwhile, the school and football seasons start in Montgomery. Civil reflects on the city, her relationship with it, and its evolution over the years. She also continues to spend time with the Williamses.

In Chapter 39, Civil does not “look for a job” and reports to court every day of the trial (270). One day, Daddy confronts her about using the money he gives her to support the Williamses and urges her “to live [her] own life” (272).

Civil visits Birmingham with Ty, Alicia, and the Ralseys for her birthday. Alicia and Ty give her an MCAT book and a photo of her with the Williams girls.

In Chapter 40, the trial reaches...