This Promise of Change is the story of Jo Ann Allen Boyce who was one of the Clinton 12 who fought for the right to be allowed to go to the same high school as the white students in Clinton, Tennessee. It takes place right after the Brown vs. The Board of Education decision by the Supreme Court. The school district made the decision to desegregate and follow the letter of the law. Things start with just a few minor protests but as word gets out and outsiders come in the protests grow and become violent. Jo Ann becomes the unwitting spokesperson of the students involved. It is a role she never wanted.

This is a harrowing first person account of the events surrounding what desegregation of the school in Clinton, Tennessee. While it is lesser known than the events in Little Rock or those that surrounded Ruby Bridges, it is just as horrifying. In the afterword of the book there is speculation as to why this might be so. Also included at the end was a glossary of sorts of the types of poems used and where they are in the book which I loved. There were also notes about the 12 students involved and where they are now. This book is full of information, beautifully written and highly impactful. I can't recommend it enough.