Hard Revolution

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thanks to my friends Logan Deoudes and Jerome Gross, who gave me extensive, invaluable assistance during the research stages of Hard Revolution. Thanks go out as well to Dan Fein, Leonard Tempchin, Pete Glekas, Tim Thomas, Bob Fegley, Gary Phillips, Ruby Pelecanos, Bob Boukas, Paulina Garner, Billy Caludis, Frazier O’Leary, Mary Rados, Jim and Ted Pedas, Michael Pietsch, Reagan Arthur, Claire McKinney, Betsy Uhrig, and Alicia Gordon. In addition, I spoke to many active participants in the riots of April 1968 who will remain anonymous. Their candor and honesty was greatly appreciated.

As it has for me in the past, the Washingtoniana room of the MLK Library provided the tools and atmosphere I needed to write this novel. Ten Blocks from the White House, by Ben Gilbert and the staff of the Washington Post, provided the time line and factual backbone of the riot section of the book. Peter Guralnick’s Sweet Soul Music and Mark Opsasnick’s Capitol Rock gave me the music details I needed. The recordings of Otis Redding, O. V. Wright, the Impressions, James Carr, Wilson Pickett, Johnnie Taylor, and others gave me inspiration.

This one goes out to all the good people-workers, parents, children, volunteers, teachers, clergy, and police-of Washington, D.C., and to my family: Emily, Nick, Pete, and Rosa. Much love and respect to you all.