Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

Historian Kevin Boyle on 'Arc of Justice'

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Dr. Ossian Sweet
Dr. Ossian Sweet
Courtesy University of Minnesota Law Library: Clarence Darrow Digital Collection

Kevin Boyle, author of the National Book Award-winning, "Arc of Justice: A Saga of Race, Civil Rights and Murder in the Jazz Age." The story of Dr. Ossian Sweet, a black doctor who moved into a white neighborhood in Detroit in the 1920's. Famed defense attorney Clarence Darrow made the stirring closing arguments 90 years ago on May 11.

Kevin Boyle is professor of history at Northwestern University. He spoke in St. Paul March 12 at the Minnesota Historical Society's "History Forum."