JM 1ST APPROACH

An illiterate slave, Dred Scott trusted in an all-white, slave-owning jury to declare him free. But after briefly experiencing the glory of freedom and manhood, a new state Supreme Court ordered the cold steel of the shackles to
be closed again around his wrists and ankles. Falling to his knees, Dred cried, "Ain't I a man?" Dred answered his own question by rising and taking his fight to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Dred ultimately lost his epic battle when the Chief Justice declared that a black man was so inferior that he had "no rights a white man was bound to respect."

Dred died not knowing that his undying courage led directly to the election of President Abraham Lincoln and the emancipation proclamation.

Dred Scott's inspiring and compelling true story of adventure, courage, love, hatred, and friendship parallels the history of this nation from the long night of slavery to the narrow crack in the door that would ultimately lead to freedom and equality for all men.

Endorsements:

"Mark has recounted a spectacular and riveting story of American heroism and human triumphs, unbounded by race, color, or gender. The founders' dream for a single, egalitarian society has meant cultivating it continually with love, courage, sacrifice, perseverance and patriotism. No one has made a bigger contribution to the realization of this dream than Dred Scott. His inspiring story serves as an example of how personal conviction and alliances of the hopeful can ultimately achieve the founders' vision.

"From precious Dred Scott to Barack Obama, there are still rivers to cross and corners to turn before justice, and thus freedom, is ours."

~ Dennis Courtland Hayes, former Interim President &CEO, Senior Vice
President, General Counsel & Corporation Secretary for the National
Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Inc.

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"Attorney General Shurtleff has used his exceptional gift for writing to bring to life the mind, heart, and passion of my great-great-grandparents in a moving and hard-to-put-down novel of great excellence. His ability to portray the dignity of all human beings through the characters is extraordinary.

"Mark's sincere love for these heroes manifests in the detail he exhibits as he personifies many heart-wrenching and joyful moments they experienced on their road to freedom. This story is a masterful achievement in allowing us to be there beyond the legal aspects and feel with, and for, the Scotts.....and you will!"

~ Lynne M. Jackson, Great-great granddaughter of Dred & Harriet Scott,
President and Founder of The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation

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"More than anything else "Am I Not A Man? The Dred Scott Story" is about a religious man clinging to faith, holding onto a trust in God instilled in him by his mother. That Mark Shurtleff would tell this story in the theological voice common to the African-American experience gives the read credence, authenticity with echoes very familiar today."

~ Albert C. Jones, Publisher, www.americadiversityplace.com

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"'Am I Not a Man? The Dred Scott Story' refreshes our memories of a sad time
in America's history. In familiar language, we get details with clarity and passion while showing the depths of familial love and commitment to positive change. It is written in a readable, engaging style and every person should take the time to learn from it."

~ Pastor France Davis, Calvary Baptist Church