The Silence of Our Friends by Mark Long, Jim Demonakos, and Nate Powell (Graphic Novel Mini Review)

Two families in Houston, Texas in 1968. One father is an African-American professor at Texas Southern University, and the other is a white reporter for the local television station. They form a friendship that is questioned and vilified from every side. Tensions flare when students try to organize protests (Stokely Carmichael’s Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) at the school, and author Mark Long’s father is assigned to cover the events.

I found the best parts of the book are when the lens is directed at the children and their interpretation of the fight for civil rights. They hear many messages and are forced to piece together what they hear from parents, friends, and unfortunately, the racist elements of the city.  One of the best messages in this book is that there is always hope for the next generation.

This is a powerful graphic novel drawn by Nate Powell, the same illustrator who did the three March books. I appreciated the musical references and the key scenes that flesh out each of family members.

Highly recommended.