The DO Book Club, June 2026: ‘The Making of a (Pardoned) Felon’

Science has shown that solid relationships keep one healthier and happier, forming the bedrock of a meaningful existence—but if you were to ask civil rights activist and American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Past President William “Andy” Anderson, DO, what makes a meaningful life, he would not answer with clinical data, but rather with a story.

The wisdom contained in the parables of his own extraordinary life challenge readers to explore how fortitude, family, dedication and caring combine to help us live our lives to the fullest.

Dr. Anderson understands that growth in life requires both sacrifices and healthy relationships. In that growth, one can develop the emotional intimacy we share with our communities; it serves as the ultimate catalyst for weathering life’s inevitable storms.

In his brilliant autobiography, “The Making of a (PARDONED) Felon During the Civil Rights Movement in America: The Physician Who Helped Heal American Democracy,” Dr. Anderson enthralls readers with the rich tapestry of a life fought for and masterfully lived.

In the book, published in 2025, one finds redemption and learns how connection and just reasoning simultaneously helped heal his patients, break down racial barriers and help the democratic soul of America, making it the perfect read for DOs to take on as our nation celebrates Juneteenth, a commemoration of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, on June 19.

Dr. Anderson’s impact

Dr. Anderson’s memoir vividly exemplifies courage, kindness and wisdom. In his life, he navigated a deeply segregated and oppressive healthcare system and country without becoming bitter or losing hope. He embraced both those who embraced him and those who opposed him, consistently moving people and ideas forward.

His journey is rooted in a profound sense of pride for community. Dr. Anderson crossed paths with many civil rights leaders, some by chance and others through a shared ideal of a just society, free for all people. He has served as a trusted advisor, confidante and physician to iconic figures, such as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., PhD, Ralph Abernathy and Rosa Parks.

However, perhaps his most vital partnership was with his wife, Norma, a disciplined and principled woman. Along with being instrumental in his successes, she herself is a fierce civil rights organizer. In and throughout the making of these civil bonds, Dr. Anderson illustrated that truth, justice and a well-lived life are forged in the fires of shared struggle, mutual support and unbreakable friendships.

The book is dedicated to life. For Dr. Anderson, a large part of his life was his monumental impact on the medical and osteopathic medical professions. Dr. Anderson exemplified the osteopathic way of practicing medicine through his service to his patients and the advancement of medicine. His path to medicine was entirely unconventional; he started as a mortician’s apprentice before finding his way to an osteopathic medical school in Des Moines, Iowa. This pathway was one of the few open to Black and Jewish students who were actively excluded from other medical institutions at the time.

Dr. Anderson’s bravery

Dr. Anderson’s courage has extended deeply into his medical career. When accepted for an internship at Flint Osteopathic Hospital, he became the first African American in any of their programs. He bravely stood up for equality in the hospital setting, refusing to accept the racist practice of assigning patients based on race, and demanded to treat patients of all backgrounds. Later, as a general practitioner in his hometown of Albany, Georgia, he embedded himself in a community that was segregated medically, civically, socially and educationally. Despite being rejected from surgical residencies and local medical societies due to his race, he never wavered in his dedication to his profession.

Ultimately, his trailblazing career culminated in his rising through the ranks to become the first Black president of the AOA. His kindness and foresight are honored today through the American Osteopathic Foundation William G. Anderson, DO, Scholarship Fund, which he established in 1998 to support minority osteopathic medical students who champion health equity. Specifically, the fund states that it recognizes Dr. Anderson’s lifelong commitment to civil rights, decades-long dedication to the osteopathic profession and generous philanthropic spirit.

In addition to all of his medical achievements, the book also serves as a riveting historical account of the Albany Civil Rights Movement, of which Dr. Anderson was the president. After desegregation of interstate commerce by the federal government, the Andersons began organizing for just rules and transformed Albany into an epicenter of the Civil Rights Movement.

Despite personal and professional risks, Dr. Anderson boldly championed fair and equal justice under the law. His activism led to his arrest alongside Dr. King and Ralph Abernathy in Americus, Georgia. He wore the label “felon” with honor, even at the cost of him losing out on medical opportunities, such as a surgical residency. His accepted sacrifice was recounted in his vivid discussion of prison discomforts. However, the hardships were mitigated by the support of friends and family and in his internal understanding of grace and the pursuit of justice.

Readers will come away empowered

What is perhaps most striking about Dr. Anderson’s memoir is his persistent kindness and capacity to see the humanity in others. He frequently recounts the kindness of colleagues and even those on the opposite side of the civil rights struggle. For example, he recalls with appreciation how the police commissioner of Albany, recognizing Dr. Anderson’s immense value as a community physician, explicitly instructed his officers never to use their batons on those arrested for protesting segregation.

It is this ability to maintain joy, build bridges and recognize kindness amid severe oppression that makes his story an inspiring read. His actions were constantly driven by a powerful internal mantra: “If you leave this world the same as you found it, then you might as well not have been here.”

The culmination of this book is not just a reflection on the past, but a profound offering of guidance for the future. Dr. Anderson outlines his ultimate wisdom to live by, ending with a poignant, all-telling directive for the reader:

“Decide within yourself what you want to do and be, what kind of future you want and grasp opportunities and learn from them even if the results are difficult; you cannot prepare for everything but always keep your eyes on the prize.” (p. 268)

This specific reflection perfectly aligns with his overarching philosophy of embracing life’s challenges, learning from adversity and looking toward a better, more equitable future.

“The Making of a (PARDONED) Felon” is an absolutely essential read. It beautifully bridges the homiletics and hermeneutics of Dr. King with the deeply personal connection of a physician to his patients and his community. Dr. Anderson’s memoir offers an incredible insider’s view of both American and osteopathic history, revealing the massive potential of individuals to grow larger even in the face of difficulties. This book is a soaring testament to the fact that a life is built on a foundation of courage, selfless service, unbreakable friendships and an unwavering commitment to “keeping your eyes on the prize.”

Related reading:

Civil rights activist William G. Anderson, DO, looks back on fighting segregation with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Civil rights leader William G. Anderson, DO, shares more details about his life and upbringing