Rivera describes how the Brown decision came to fruition, its impact, and reactions to it. In particular, Rivera insists that the Brown decision would not have been what it was had the Court not taken a recess prior to the handing down of the decision. In addition, he explains how in bringing about the end of de jure segregation, the Brown decision also served to effectively end many black-owned businesses. Finally, he describes how southern states tried to resist abiding by the law.