Adam By Adam [Paperback]

Adam Clayton Powell Jr's autobiography is an extremely interesting read. However, for its true historical significance, it should be read in connection with one of the two biography's that came about about Powell in the early 1990's - KING OF THE CATS by Wil Haygood and/or the Political Biography by Charles V. Hamilton.

Powell's life story is amazing. Unfortunately, his contributions to the cause of civil rights has been loss in the media coverage that he brought upon himself, particularly his explusion from Congress. There are those who are quick to say that Powell's problems were a result of racial discrimination. Sure, there was some of that, but Powell brought a great deal upon himself. His flamboyant life style, his absences from congress, his lavish spending at tax papers expense all did serious damage to his image. Probably the most damaging was his refusal to deal with a law suit brought by one of his constituants who he referred to as a "bag lady" while appearing on a TV talk show. The TV station settled with the woman for $1700 and it went away. However, Powell stonewalled the case for years until he was ultimately charged with criminal contempt of court. The case had gone through dozens of court hearings, several trials and numerous judges. There were even offers from supporters to pay the woman and get rid of the case. But Powell refused. It got so bad that he could only go to his district on sunday. Otherwise, he would have been arrested. He admits that his handling of the case was a major mistake.

In an era when JFK's romantic engagments were kept secret and before the Gary Hart affairs, Powell was able to get away with a life style that was literally filled with wine, women and song. Even his position as a Baptist minister did not limit his life style, his affairs or his three marriages. He was a creature of the time in which he lived.

ADAM BY ADAM was written near the end of Powell's life. In reading Haygood's account of his final days, you see a man trying to hold on to the past. He is alone and sick and abandoned by his former friends. As a result, Powell's accounts of his many friends and relationships rang very hollow to me. His finances were shot, he had no place to go. He was very much alone.

Powell made significant contributions to American life and should not be forgotten. However, in reviewing his life, one wonders if following the old advise - you got to know when to fold and know when to hold - may have been wise. When Martin Luther King and other civil rights leaders meet with LBJ, Powell was excluded. He had become damaged goods. At the March on Washington in 1963 he was not allowed to speak. For a man with his ego, it must have been terrible.

However, politicans create their own image. Powell was a loner who never listened to anyone. He had no close advisors. In many respects his life had a sad ending. But still his contribution to African American history should not be forgotten

Mr. Powell another of our past heros, not be forgotten. Read about the horrible treatment he received from the US congressmen in his day and his fight for his people.

Mr. Powell another of our past heros, not be forgotten. Read about the horrible treatment he received from the US congressmen in his day and his fight for his people.

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