politics, criminal-injustice-system, florida, action, nonfiction, racial-profiling, lynching, mob-mentality, bigotry

Four young men who were nearly proved innocent in 1949 were either wrongfully incarcerated or murdered at the instigation of a sheriff have had their day in court nearly seventy years after the fact. The author became aware of the issue while in law school, investigated, contacted remaining family members, and began organizing a political posse to right the wrongs done (albeit posthumously) for the benefit of the families and people today. It took years! As someone once said, the wheels of Justice move slowly, but they grind exceedingly fine. Excellent work and an excellent read!
I was able to augment my ebook with a Whispersync audiobook as narrated by Joshua Mackey who was perfect as the voice of Josh Venkataraman. ( )

This book takes you back in time to 1949 in Groveland, Florida, to an injustice against four young men who were convicted of a crime they did not commit. And as we’ve come to expect from so-called justice in the south, is that the whole case was race-related with no solid evidence, just a hatred of white against black. I had never heard of this case until Barbara, co-author and mother of Josh, let me know about her new book. Fascinated by the subject, I began reading and soon found I could not put it down. Although I’m not normally a fan of non-fiction, Josh writes in such an easy-going manner you almost feel like he’s talking to you in your living room. His quest to finally clear the names of these four deceased men was heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. Sparked by having read another book about the case as a college assignment, Josh starts digging and finds Carol Crawley, daughter of Charles Greenlee, one of the Groveland Four. This case takes Josh on a 4-year journey to find justice and to right a wrong. Between authors Josh and Barbara, this book is one that grabs you and won’t let go. It’s a quick read, but one that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. It will unsettle you, wake you up to injustices that are still happening daily, and perhaps it may even lead you to becoming an Accidental Activist as well. ( )

Barbara Venkataraman called my attention to this publication and I read it in one sitting today (December 28, 2019). I couldn't stop reading. My review is my own opinion without any input or expectation or promise of remuneration from the authors.

Over the years in my roles as a librarian and bookstore employee I was asked the question, "Why should I read?" After reading this incredible journey to justice for the Groveland Four and their families I could hold up this book and pointing to it answer with one word. This! During the Fall Semester 2014, an American History professor at the University of Florida assigned Josh Venkataraman and his classmates to read, "Devil in the Grove: Thurgood Marshall, the Groveland Boys, and the Dawn of the New America" by Gilbert King. What an incredible response by Josh V. to this assignment!

I can hardly imagine how proud Vasan and Barbara Venkataraman are of their son Josh. Barbara is an award-winning author and I love her Jamie Quinn Cozy Mystery Series. However, my guess would be that if asked what writing has been most meaningful to her it would be co-authoring this work with her son Josh detailing his extraordinary activism for justice.

My generation in particular was inspired by John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address on January 20, 1961, listening to the words, "My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Today, I would offer that Josh is the new generation of inspiration and in writing to share his journey for justice and to teach others how to pursue one's own endeavors he valiantly follows the words by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, "One man can make a difference and every man should try."

Josh Venkataraman brought his integrity, his inner strength, his courage, and especially his persistence as he initiated a project in 2015, to right a wrong that began in 1949. In 2019, there is finally peace for the Groveland Four and their families. Thank you for your untiring commitment. Thank you for sharing this important truth in American History. Bravo Josh! Bravo!!

Across the years of one's career a typical interview question is to "Describe a situation in which you were successful" or "Tell me about a time when you did something above-and-beyond." Can you imagine the quiet, unassuming smile that will come across Josh's face as he listens to that question? ( )

Josh Venkataraman has written an inspirational and readable guide on how to effect change. What originally began as a reading assignment for an American History class at the University of Florida - Gainesville became more than a story, more than an assignment. Gilbert King's Pulitzer Prize-winning book about the Groveland Four, Devil in the Grove: Thurgood Marshall, the Groveland Boys, and the Dawn of a New America, a racially and hate-inspired miscarriage of justice carried out in 1949, was to become for this young college student a cause and a success story for many. Accidental Activist: Justice for the Groveland Four should be read as a lesson in history and a reminder to never forget and also, as a text to initiate change in your own life for the cause of many. ( )

Accidental Activist : Justice for the Groveland Four by Josh Venkataraman is a small (101 pages) but mighty and powerful memoir that documents his 4-year journey to right the wrong that happened in Florida about 70 years ago…
In 1949, four African-American youths were falsely accused of raping a Caucasian girl. In 2014 fall, Josh, who was a junior at Florida University, read “Devil in the Grove : Thurgood Marshall, the Groveland Boys, and the Dawn of the New America” by Gilbert King for his American History class. The following year, while he was driving on the highway, he saw a sign that said “Groveland”.. That is it! It’s like the sign is guarding him to this persistent journey to exonerate the wrongly accused and seek apologies to their families…
It only takes a spark to start a fire, and Josh is that spark!
I would like to thank Barbara Venkataraman giving me the opportunity to read and review the memoir. I truly enjoy this powerful, uplifting and inspirational non-fiction. I especially love the quotes at the beginning of each chapter! The world needs more ambitious and energetic, persistent and persevering persons like Josh Venkataraman! ( )