THE LETTER

The following excerpt was written to a friend by documentarian Lisa Friedman following her first meeting with W.W. Law:

August 21, 2001 - Savannah, Georgia

… I met a man today named W.W. Law. He was born here in 1923 and led the Civil Rights Movement in Savannah. He read poetry to me. We talked about the movement – his people, my people, how they were connected. He was a postman and delivered the mail to my godfather’s home, the son of poor Russian Jewish immigrants.

… [My godfather, Judge H. Sol Clark, born December 31, 1905] remained friends with W.W. Law throughout their lives here in Savannah. My godfather created legal aid in the state to assist the poor … Together they created the King Tisdell Cottage. My mama landscaped the garden in the back of the house where there is a fountain he described to me. At the base of the fountain are shackles and chains with a bird flying up through the water spraying off of its wings …it symbolizes the African-American struggle from slavery to freedom.

… I told [Law] what you had said about kids, that they are confused and full of rage. I asked him what his advice would be to youth. He replied, 'The Youth of today have moved away from the Movement. Be in touch with the rage; but not to allow the anger to overcome us. Turn the anger into productive action.'… He doesn't have any children; no one to carry the word. I wondered if you might be interested?