Author is a well-known commentator and activist: Gene Nichol is well-known in the NC and regional communities as an outspoken activist. His previous book with Blair, Indecent Assembly: The North Carolina Legislature's Blueprint for the War on Democracy and Equality, (2020) and his other books have drawn huge crowds to his author events and speaking engagements. Local focus with national implications: This book centers North Carolina but will have an eye toward how other states can learn from these lessons. Nichol will support this book launch with regional and national op-eds.