The book explores the life and contributions of Bayard Rustin, a pivotal yet often overlooked figure in various movements including civil rights, labor, and gay rights. As a homosexual and World War II draft resister, Rustin faced marginalization within activist circles, yet his radical voice and ideas significantly shaped American history. Jerold Podair enriches the narrative with excerpts from Rustin's writings, speeches, and letters, providing readers with a deeper understanding of his impact and the complexities of his activism.
A vivid history of the controversial building of Dodger Stadium and how it helped transform Los AngelesWhen Walter O’Malley moved his Brooklyn Dodgers to Los Angeles in 1957 with plans to construct a new ballpark, he ignited a bitter half-decade dispute over the future of a rapidly changing city. For the first time, City of Dreams tells the full story of the controversial building of Dodger Stadium and how it helped create modern Los Angeles. In a vivid narrative, Jerald Podair tells how the city was convulsed over whether, where, and how to build the stadium. Eventually, it was built on publicly owned land from which the city had uprooted a Mexican American community, raising questions about the relationship between private profit and “public purpose.” Indeed, the battle over Dodger Stadium crystallized issues with profound implications for all American cities. Filled with colorful stories, City of Dreams will fascinate anyone who is interested in the history of the Dodgers, baseball, Los Angeles, and the modern American city.
