Know the Past / Heal the Present Book Campaign
A nonprofit fundraiser supporting
Dr James Cameron Legacy Foundation IncA unique piece of history – the only account by a lynching survivor ever written – preserved and made available to the public.
$9,091
raised by 57 people
$10,600 goal
The Story
On a sweltering August night in 1930, in northern Indiana, three teenagers were lynched. Two died but with the rope already tightening around his neck, one was saved. Incarcerated for the next five years, he began writing a book about his experience.
A Time of Terror: A Survivor’s Story by James Cameron is the only account ever written by a survivor of a lynching.
The Project
We seek to preserve this fascinating historic book, out of print since 2002, by publishing and distributing a expanded 3rd edition. This new edition will include of Cameron's five never-before-published chapters plus photographs and a Foreword by Dr. James Loewen.
Cameron’s incredible story is one of terrible trauma – but also of resilience, hope, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
Its publication is timely, because understanding the truth of our past is a prerequiste to achieving racial justice and healing in the present.
Proceeds from the book's sales will help support the operations of another Legacy Foundation project: America's Black Holocaust Museum.
The paperback and ebook will be sold by Amazon and other booksellers.
Preparing it for publication, printing a first run, and doing the first rounds of marketing and distribution costs $10,000. Later we plan to raise another $10,000 to allow us to significantly expand our marketing through book tours and public speaking.
How You Can Help
- Contribute! Make a tax-deductible donation here.
- Spread the Word! Tell your friends, family and social media contacts about this campaign – today!
In Appreciation, we will acknowledge you by name in the book and send you:
- Freedom Lover ($25+) – a Thank-You Video.
- Witness to History ($50+) – a Thank-You Video + a downloadable Bookmark with Dr. Cameron's picture.
- History Scholar ($100+) - All of the above + your choice of personalizable Bookplates with the ABHM logo or Dr. Cameron's picture.
- Social Justice Activist ($250+) – All of the above + your choice of printable posters with ABHM or Cameron themes and sayings.
- Beloved Teacher ($500+) – All of the above + Acknowledgement on ABHM's website for you and/or your organization (with its logo)
- Visionary ($1500+) - All of the above + a Personal Call from James' son, Virgil Cameron.
Thank you so much for helping bring this story to light!