Civil Rights
As our nation expresses shock over the apparent execution of an ICU nurse on our streets in broad daylight, many Black Americans are pointing out that American fascism has always been their reality.
Black Americans in the civil rights movement had less power than white Americans facing fascism today. They took power, and used it judiciously, changing our nation. Study their history to learn how to fight today.
How to do it:
The officers who beat Rodney King to a pulp filed reports that suggested a normal arrest, and perhaps it was. In 1991 citizen video was unheard of—they didn’t expect clear evidence of their brutality toward a man already in custody and control.
Some Black authors have pointed out that if we accept extra-judicial brutality towards any group as collateral damage, then it is only a matter of time and luck before we face it ourselves. History supports their argument.
So turn to history to learn how to fight fascism without permission, and vow to keep fighting until we have the nation MLK, Jr. dreamed of. Begin by reading a book about civil rights history. The Atlanta History Center has a list to get you started.
