Ben Crump on Civil Rights, Literature, and the Fight for Justice

Ben Crump on Civil Rights, Literature, and the Fight for Justice

May 7, 2026 · 55 min · Season 3 · Episode 9

About this episode

Ben Crump discusses his debut legal thriller and the importance of representation and justice for marginalized communities.

This podcast episode features a momentous gathering at MahoganyBooks, where civil rights attorney Ben Crump presents his debut legal thriller, "Worse Than a Lie," the inaugural entry in the Boley Cooper series. Central to Crump's narrative is the harrowing tale of Hollis Montrose, a Black police officer unjustly shot and falsely charged on the night of Barack Obama's historic election in 2008. Crump highlights his motivations for writing the novel, emphasizing the need to portray a heroic Black trial lawyer and to educate readers about the ongoing struggles for justice faced by marginalized communities. Throughout the discussion, Crump articulates the emotional toll of his legal work and the imperative for the youth to engage with civil rights issues and to champion their own narratives. The episode culminates in a profound dialogue about the significance of representation in literature and the relentless fight against systemic oppression. Takeaways: Ben Crump's debut novel, 'Worse Than a Lie,' casts a Black trial lawyer as a superhero to inspire future generations. Crump emphasizes the importance of education and perseverance in the fight for civil rights, urging youth to read…

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