J. L. Chestnut Jr. (December 16, 1930 – September 30, 2008)[1] was an author, attorney, and a figure in the Civil Rights Movement.
His father was forced to shut down his grocery store due to an accumulation of unpaid taxes.
Shortly after, he attended law school at Howard University, located in Washington, D.C. His practices were heavily influenced by the work of Thurgood Marshall and other accomplished civil rights leaders.
[3] This march was to bring awareness and recognition to the discrimination, segregation and neglection of African American and other minority citizen, exercising their right to vote and be heard.
Alabama state troopers attacked these civil-rights protesters, physically beating them, and using tear gas.
The event was nationally televised and spread awareness around the United States, igniting change.