David Garrow

David Garrow

David J. Garrow (born May 11, 1953) is an American author and historian, known for his work on the history of the civil rights movement and the life of Martin Luther King Jr.. He has written extensively on the subject, providing detailed accounts and analyses of the social and political dynamics of the era.

Early Life and Education

David Garrow was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts. He attended Wesleyan University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. He later pursued graduate studies at Duke University, obtaining a Ph.D. in history.

Career

Garrow's career as a historian and author has been marked by his focus on civil rights and social justice. He has held academic positions at several prestigious institutions, including Emory University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.

Major Works

Garrow is best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Bearing the Cross: Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, published in 1986. This work is considered one of the definitive biographies of Martin Luther King Jr., providing an in-depth look at his leadership and the challenges faced by the civil rights movement.

Other notable works by Garrow include:

• Protest at Selma: Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (1978)
• Liberty and Sexuality: The Right to Privacy and the Making of Roe v. Wade (1994)
• Rising Star: The Making of Barack Obama (2017)

Contributions to Civil Rights History

Garrow's research has contributed significantly to the understanding of the civil rights movement. His detailed accounts of events such as the Selma to Montgomery marches and the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 have provided valuable insights into the strategies and struggles of civil rights leaders.

Controversies

Garrow's work has not been without controversy. His biography of Barack Obama, Rising Star, received mixed reviews, with some critics questioning the depth of his analysis and the portrayal of Obama's early life and career.

Awards and Honors

In addition to the Pulitzer Prize, Garrow has received numerous accolades for his work, including the Robert F. Kennedy Book Award and the James A. Rawley Prize from the Organization of American Historians.

Personal Life

David Garrow resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He continues to write and lecture on topics related to civil rights and American history.

See Also

• Civil Rights Movement
• Martin Luther King Jr.
• Barack Obama

External Links

• Pulitzer Prize Biography
• James A. Rawley Prize