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Jacob Smith, a prominent black lawyer and political and civil rights leader in New York in the segregated 1950s, was assassinated when his son, Jock, was eight years old. If this memoir told only of a child's loving remembrance of his father (and a desire to follow in his footsteps, thus "Climbing Jacob's Ladder"), it would be a success. But Jock Smith discovered he had a gift for public speaking and grew up to become a lawyer himself, a college professor, one of the first African-American assistant attorneys general in Alabama, and then a highly successful plaintiff's lawyer, sports agent, sports memorabilia collector, and inspirational speaker. A persuasive idealist, Smith found that he could have the most impact on the disenfranchised within the court system. Through his advocacy, he has striven to better the lives of "the least of these." This attorney has also amassed what may be the world's largest personal collection of uniforms worn in games by sports stars, worth in the millions of dollars. Feeling the need to use this collection for good, Smith began a ministry of inspirational speaking to youth, demonstrating how lessons learned through sports apply to the real world. Smith also entwined his passion for sports with his legal talent and civil rights outlook to become an agent for black sports personalities, to ensure they get a bigger share in the industry. Now a national partner to superlawyer Johnnie Cochran, Smith operates in a fascinating world of power, wealth, fame, and faith. Climbing Jacob's Ladder tells it all: the awe-inspiring journey from childhood without a father to prominence on a national scale. Jock Smith is a great storyteller, and co-author Paul Hemphill isa great writer. Their collaboration brings us an insider's view of the legal system, big-time sports collecting, contemporary black life, evangelism, and civil rights.

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