You Can't Kill a Man Because of the Books He Reads by Brad Snyder

 

Credit: W. W. Norton & Company

In this episode of Narrative Edge, hosts Peter Biello and Orlando Montoya explore the powerful true story behind Brad Snyder’s book You Can’t Kill a Man Because of the Books He Reads. The story centers on Angelo Herndon, a young Black laborer and communist organizer in 1930s Atlanta, who was arrested simply for possessing political literature. His case, based on a vague insurrection law, became a turning point in the fight for First Amendment rights and exposed deep injustices within the legal system.

Peter and Orlando walk you through Herndon’s legal battle, which at first overlooked free speech concerns and instead focused on racial discrimination in jury selection. As the case moved through the courts, new legal strategies emerged, and a surprising alliance with a former Georgia governor helped bring the First Amendment claims back into focus. Eventually, the case reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled in 1937 that Herndon’s conviction violated his constitutional rights to free speech and peaceful assembly.

Through thoughtful discussion and historical context, Peter and Orlando highlight the enduring impact of Herndon’s case. From the brutal conditions of the chain gang to the moral courage of the lawyers who stood by him, the episode captures a defining moment in the struggle for civil liberties. It is a story about the power of protest, the importance of legal advocacy, and the lasting significance of the right to read freely.