John Henry bates

Author & Speaker

Take a journey through injustice to the promise of equality.

This memoir is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of the Civil Rights Movement. It's a powerful reminder that one person can make a difference in the fight for equality and justice.

Order your copy today and learn how John:

  • Overcame racial prejudice and systemic barriers

  • Became a quiet force for change in his community

  • Forged unexpected alliances with Hollywood elites and political leaders

  • Found success and inspiration in the face of adversity

In the Media

Explore John's media features here!

I have a strong belief that history is essential to our future, and I am willing to step up and deliver that message. I have the conviction that we need to get back to some of our traditions that place strong male figures in places that will uplift our families and communities. My life—from the shooting and the loss of my career to writing my memoir—is living proof that the strength we need to push forward is found by looking back, tapping into our heritage, and demanding more of ourselves as men, fathers, and community leaders. That blend of personal pain, historical context, and an unshakeable call to action is what defines my message.

Praise & Reviews

I am enjoying Somerset: Seasons of Change. I like the way you sprinkled in historical facts as you tell your story. As I read Somerset my mind is flooded with my own childhood memories of growing up in rural Mississippi. I just completed the section entitled: "A Season to Learn." What a joy to read! Thanks.

An absolute diamond in the rough. This book is full of history and life experiences that one would enjoy. The author takes you on a journey that you would learn about his experience during the civil rights era and his rise to entrepreneurship.

-Almon

-Kayla

This book was engaging and rich. The author gives you a realistic view of his journey, while providing a rich history of knowledge. It's a must read.

-Rhonda

Somerset: Seasons of Change
A Journey from Humble Roots to Unseen Heights

Somerset is the story of John Henry Bates, who emerges from the shadows of humble beginnings and rises to become a police officer, silently challenging the discriminatory norms, while also standing as a quiet force fighting for equal rights in the face of prejudice.​

As he pursues his calling, he finds himself rubbing shoulders with Hollywood's elite and forging alliances with notable political leaders. Every page is a testament to the enduring power of one individual's journey—a journey that mirrors the evolution of a nation.

This is not just a story of one man; it is a chronicle of a community, a reflection of a tumultuous era, and an inspiring testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.