Protest, paperwork, and persistence: Watch Full Frontal's practical guide for the resistance
The Trump presidency has already prompted record protests, most of them peaceful, but a march or two won't be enough to bring about lasting change, Ashley Nicole Black said on Wednesday's Full Frontal. That is what she learned from talking with five veterans of the civil rights movement, and she edited the interviews into a practical guide for a new generation of change agents. "These patriots, they marched, they protested, they were nonviolent, but most importantly, they filled out everything in triplicate," Black said.
It was hard work, it was often mundane, and there was frequently little or nothing to show for it, at least in the short term. "The March on Washington? That was R&R for us," said Frank Smith Jr. "It was a time for us to get away from Mississippi for a few days, then go off to some place where we didn't have to be worried about being chased by the sheriff. We could have a drink somewhere without being worried about being stopped on the way home."
Change isn't quick, and it isn't something you can do by yourself. "Every revolution succeeds because of the foot soldiers and the sergeants," explained Luvaugn Brown. Dorie Ladner — who apparently had a thing with Bob Dylan — emphasized the power of song to boost spirits. "We used to have a saying: Bloom where you're planted," added Joan Trumpauer Mulholland. "Look at what's happening right in your immediate situation; try to act there." The five elders of protest agreed that marching, and marching again is important. "Because in 50 years, your grandchildren will probably have to do this all over again," Black said. Watch below. Peter Weber
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
'Wolf Hall: the Mirror and the Light' season two – still a "crown jewel"
The Week Recommends Damian Lewis and Mark Rylance star in this 'superlative' Tudor drama on BBC One
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Election Day. Finally.'
Today's Newspapers A roundup of the headlines from the US front pages
By The Week Staff Published
-
Incendiary device plot: Russia's 'rehearsals' for attacks on transatlantic flights
The Explainer Security officials warn of widespread Moscow-backed 'sabotage campaign' in retaliation for continued Western support for Ukraine
By The Week UK Published
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91
Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published