Charles A. Bonner


Charles A. Bonner

Charles A. Bonner is an American civil rights attorney, environmental justice advocate, author, and former activist associated with the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. He is known for his participation in voting rights campaigns in Alabama, including the Selma movement and the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery marches, as well as for his later legal work in California involving civil rights, environmental law, and police misconduct litigation.

Early life and education

Bonner was born in Selma, Alabama, where he grew up during the era of racial segregation in the American South. As a teenager, he became involved in the Civil Rights Movement and worked with organizers advocating for African American voting rights.

He later attended Sonoma State University in California, where he studied anthropology. Bonner also spent time in East Africa, including Tanzania, where he studied Kiswahili and explored African cultural traditions and social systems.

Following his undergraduate studies, he earned a law degree and entered legal practice in California.

Civil Rights Movement

During the 1960s, Bonner became involved with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), one of the major organizations active in the Civil Rights Movement. He participated in voter registration efforts in Alabama and worked as a field organizer during campaigns challenging discriminatory voting laws and segregation.

Bonner was among the participants in the Selma voting rights movement and took part in the Selma-to-Montgomery marches in 1965. He has spoken publicly about the violence experienced by demonstrators during “Bloody Sunday,” when civil rights marchers were attacked by law enforcement officers while crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma.

The events surrounding the marches contributed to national support for passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Legal career

After becoming an attorney, Bonner established a legal practice in California focusing on civil rights and public interest litigation. His legal work has included cases involving police misconduct, employment discrimination, toxic exposure, environmental justice, and personal injury law.

Bonner later became associated with the Law Offices of Bonner & Bonner, a father-and-son law practice. The firm has represented clients in cases involving environmental contamination, civil liberties, and community advocacy.

Environmental and humanitarian advocacy

In addition to his legal work, Bonner has been involved in environmental justice initiatives and charitable projects addressing human rights and global poverty issues.

He has also promoted educational and humanitarian causes connected to Africa and the African diaspora.

Writing and publications

Bonner is the author of several books and public writings. His works include memoirs and humanitarian-themed publications discussing civil rights history, social justice, and global human rights concerns.

Among his published works are:

''The Tip of the Arrow''

''The Bracelet: The Story to End Child Sex Slavery in the World''

Legacy

Bonner’s life and work connect the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s with later struggles involving environmental justice, community advocacy, and human rights law. His experiences as both an activist and attorney have been referenced in discussions about the continuing legacy of the Selma movement and the evolution of civil rights activism in the United States.

References

Bonner & Bonner Law Offices official biography

Veterans of the Civil Rights Movement archives

Civil Rights Movement historical materials related to SNCC and Selma activism

Bonergies Global Charitable Fund biographical materials

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