Kathleen Marie Doyle

Submitted photo/Kelly Phillips Photography

DOVER — Local author Kathleen Marie Doyle’s newly updated book, “Allies for Justice: How Louis Redding and Collins Seitz Changed the Complexion of America’s Schools” recently won first place in both the 2023 Delaware Press Association writing competition and the National Federation of Press Women’s competition.

Mr. Redding, Delaware’s first Black attorney, was the nation’s first attorney to win a public school desegregation case, and Chancellor Seitz, one of the highest ranking judges in Delaware became the nation’s first judge to suggest that segregation was unconstitutional.

As preparations are underway to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, “Allies for Justice” offers not only a refresher course in the significance of the case, but also a well researched, well written and compelling argument for why Delaware’s role in the case warrants attention.

Few people are aware that Brown was actually made up of five separate cases, including a crucial one from Delaware. Without Mr. Redding and Chancellor Seitz, the Brown decision could have turned out very differently.

The author first wrote the book when she was teaching history at the high school level. She wrote “Allies for Justice” with young adults in mind, but it can be it can be enjoyed by readers of any age.

“Information is presented in an engaging manner, with excellent pace and cadence, and makes the book extremely reader friendly — much like a novel,” said the Delaware Press Association.

Books are available through the author’s website (KathleenMarieDoyle.com), from Amazon, bn.com, at Hockessin Book Shelf in Hockessin, Delaware Shoppes and Biggs Museum in Dover, Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach and Sand N Stone in Lewes. Special bulk rates are available for schools (see the author’s website).