I am a Man: Chief Standing Bear's Journey for Justice - Softcover

"The painful, moving, inspiring, and important story of Chief Standing Bear has found a worthy chronicler in Joe Starita. This excellent book is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of the West, or of America." Ian Frazer, author of On The Rez"

In 1877, Standing Bear's Ponca Indian tribe was forcibly removed from its lands in Nebraska and marched south to Indian Territory. "I Am a Man" tells the story of Standing Bear's efforts to reclaim his lands and rights, ending in his successful use of habeas corpus to gain access to the courts and ultimately his freedoms. This is a story of survival, of a people who arose from the ashes of injustice, disease, neglect, alcoholism, and starvation. It explores fundamental issues of citizenship, constitutional protection, and the nature of democracy - issues that continue to resonate loudly in 21st century America. Starita's well researched and insightful account reads like historical fiction - his careful characterizations and vivid descriptions bring this piece of American history brilliantly to life.