For a Christmas gift a son and his wife sent me a book which has quickly become a treasure. Speak Now Against the Day by John Egerton bears a subtitle: The Generation Before the Civil Rights Movement in the South. It is the story of men and women of the South who spoke and worked against the development of segregation as a way of life which they knew to be destroying both the South and the idea of equality. Continue reading “Speak Now Against the Day”
Heroes of Democracy in the Twentieth Century
In the waning years of the twentieth century it is time to recognize the significance of the Civil Rights Movement as a major contribution to democracy. It was Vincent Harding whom I first heard say that the Civil Rights Movement was about democracy. Continue reading “Heroes of Democracy in the Twentieth Century”
Self-Interest for White Anti-Racists
Recently in a class I teach at Boston College, I observed a young African American woman speak firmly and eloquently about her anger in the face of racism; in that context she challenged white students to be angry also. One of the women asked, “What should I do, as a white?” The answer was quick: Continue reading “Self-Interest for White Anti-Racists”
Where Will You Be in ‘93?
1992 approached with announcements from official bodies of plans to celebrate the Quincentennial of the date when Columbus set foot on an island in the Caribbean. It was clear that the year would be crowded with expensive, lavishly-orchestrated events. In true entrepreneurial spirit, corporate entities and ad agencies began using themes of “discovery” to sell their products.
Then came the counter-campaigns. Continue reading “Where Will You Be in ‘93?”
Notes from a Mis-Educated White Man
I am an educated man.
I went twelve years to school and graduated from high school.
I am an educated man.
I went to college for two years, before going to World War II. Continue reading “Notes from a Mis-Educated White Man”