Debating the Civil Rights Movement, 1945-1968 (Debating Twentieth-Century America) [Paperback]

Steven F. Lawson (Author), Charles Payne (Author), James T. Patterson (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 14, 2006 | ISBN-10: 0742551091 | ISBN-13: 978-0742551091 | Edition: 2nd

No other book about the civil rights movement captures the drama and impact of the black struggle for equality better than Debating the Civil Rights Movement, 1945-1968. Two of the most respected scholars of African-American history, Steven F. Lawson and Charles Payne, examine the individuals who made the movement a success, both at the highest level of government and in the grassroots trenches. Designed specifically for college and university courses in American history, this is the best introduction available to the glory and agony of these turbulent times. Carefully chosen primary documents augment each essay giving students the opportunity to interpret the historical record themselves and engage in meaningful discussion. In this revised and updated edition, Lawson and Payne have included additional analysis on the legacy of Martin Luther King and added important new documents.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The second edition of Debating the Civil Rights Movement introduces students to Martin Luther King as a 'genuine revolutionary' with an insightful essay by Steve Lawson and King's 'Where Do We Go from Here' speech. King's admonition that the problems of race, economic exploitation, and war 'are all tied together' has haunting relevance for readers today. Transcriptions of interviews with Bob Moses, E.W. Steptoe, and Fannie Lou Hamer in Charles Payne's section, 'The View from the Trenches,' vividly illustrate perseverance and courage of grass roots organizers and the value of oral history in giving voice to 'local people' in the struggle for civil rights. (Barbara Steinson )

For use in the classroom, this book cuts straight to the heart of the matter. My students have appreciated the work's conciseness as well as the spirited engagement between the authors. The new edition, moreover, incorporates a new and valuable essay by Lawson as well as some powerful interviews conducted by Payne and others, which provide further source material for students to discuss. This remains my favorite civil rights text for use in my American history courses. (Paul Harvey )

About the Author

Steven F. Lawson is professor of history at Rutgers University and author of Running for Freedom: Civil Rights and Black Politics in America since 1941.
Charles M. Payne is Sally Dalton Robinson professor of history, African American studies and sociology and director of the African and African-American Studies Program at Duke University. He is the author of I've Got the Light of Freedom: The Organizing Tradition and the Mississippi Freedom Struggle.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers; 2nd edition (March 14, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0742551091
• ISBN-13: 978-0742551091
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #67,853 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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This review is from: Debating the Civil Rights Movement, 1945-1968 (Paperback)

Debating the Civil Right Movement 1968
Throughout the second civil rights movement, many historians' views varied when it came to the role of national and local governments, and its counterparts (local citizens and special interest groups) participation in national equality. In the book Debating the Civil Right Movement 1968 the authors Steven F. Lawson and Charles Payne debate the issue of the civil rights movement. Steven F. Lawson believed that the national government involvement brought equality during this era; Charles Payne believed that the local trenches pressured the national government into becoming active in this movement.
The NAACP was the first to strike the goliath known as the American Educational inequity issue, with court cases such as Sweatt v. Painter and McLaurin v. Board of Regents. Representing the NAACP as Chief Counsel in these matters, Thurgood Marshall argued on their behalf, that even with an increase in financial aid that black schools and institutions still left a mark of inferiority on the black educational system. But the blow that made the greatest impact was in 1959.
Chief Justice Earl Warren argued indirectly against white supremacy. His direct national argument was that under the current system "separate but equal" the educational system was inherently unequal because "it was impossible for blacks to obtain the full benefits of an education under the current system of segregation (Lawson pg 11). This interpretation by a representative of the national government indirectly showed the national governments stance on educational segregation.
Across our nation students black and white came together to fight the inequalities that our nation were facing. February 1, 1961, the Student Non Violent Coordinating Committee was organized for American Civil Rights Movement. SNCC organized coordinated a sit-in where they invited Martin Luther King Jr. They thought if King was arrested it would create a national uproar. Their plan worked in some respects. Presidential candidate democrat John F. Kennedy used this to his benefit for the 1960 presidential election. He spoke out on behalf of king and other civil rights leaders by taking a stand. It helped him garner votes of many Blacks in our nation. With the president and National government pushing for their equality it helped Blacks more than any protest or rally they had.
On June 11, 1963, a televised speech by President Kennedy, gave support to the Civil Rights Movement national government. The author's perspective was that this was the first time the national government shook the inequities of the Civil Rights to the core. The report aimed its cross hairs at the issue using the president's TV and radio announcements and not through the orthodox way of law making and policy. John F. Kennedy's report painted a picture of civil rights struggle as a nation to fight for equality, while fighting for others hypocritical, because we are struggling in our own country to look at blacks as equal. That report in the authors mind was stronger and more effective than any sit-in or protest.
The view from the local trenches depicted was more personable than the role of our national government, but just as important, Men, like Vernon Dahmer, who owned local stores and businesses were the trailblazers for the fight for justice. He encouraged teenagers in the community to become involved in the movement. Many of the youth that he mentored went on to become important within the SNCC and the Congress of Racial Equality or CORE. Dahmer also pushed voter registration after the Voting Rights Act. As a direct movement result Dahmer's businesses and houses were fire bombed and he died for the cause. His lasts words were, "People who don't vote are deadbeats on the state" (Payne Pg 120). This is an example of who Charles Payne believed local and other counterparts played a role in the success of the movement.
In many instances, the national government failed to protect its Black citizens. Many Blacks were denied their right to vote and freedom of speech. People like Bob Moses were brought in to repressed areas like the Mississippi Delta to strengthen the number of civil rights activists in the area. He was extremely successful in doing so. Blacks started to become more involved in politics and started to vote more in the local government. Many Whites fought back by beating and killing activist. The lesson stated in the book on (Payne pg 122) states "The Justice Department cannot be counted on, and the broader society shows little interest. How do you appeal to the conscience of a nation that is ignoring you?"
In Debating the Civil Rights Movement 1945-1968 the authors argues about the key components and events in the second civil rights movement. Harry Truman, Ella Baker, John F. Kennedy, The NAACP, and other policies and laws were keys to the success of the movement. The one thing that the two authors agreed on was that both national and local governments needed each other to make the era a success.