Resistance is not new, and it is not going away, as Dr. Berry analyzes in her latest book
The Brooklyn Historical Society is welcoming Civil Rights activist Dr. Mary Frances Berry to read from her most recent — and very timely — book History Teaches Us to Resist: How Progressive Movements Have Succeeded in Challenging Times, on Thursday, July 5.
Throughout American history, eras of political turmoil have presented obstacles to progressive ideologies. But even during the trying times, movements gain traction, as History Teaches Us to Resist outlines. In her latest work, Berry presents a history of mobilization against imbalanced power, from anti-racist actions during WWII, to protests against the Vietnam War, to recent demonstrations focusing on environmental justice, LGBTQ+ rights and more. Berry recounts many of the protests in which she was active, analyzes their organizing strategies and considers the lessons we can learn from them.
Since her college years at Howard University, she has been one of the most visible activists in the cause of civil rights, gender equality and social justice in our nation. Serving as chairperson of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, Berry demanded equal rights and liberties for all Americans during four Presidential administrations — and beyond.
Berry is a fellow of the Society of American Historians and the National Academy of Public Administration. In 2014 she was named a Distinguished Fellow of the American Society for Legal History, the highest honor the Society can award. Since 1988, she has been the Geraldine R. Segal Professor of American Social Thought, History, and Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. In 2013 she was one of the recipients of the Nelson Mandela award from the South African Government for her role in organizing the Free South Africa Movement (FSAM) which helped to end apartheid.
As Berry continues her research, writing and activism, she insists that each generation has the responsibility to make a dent in the wall of injustice. Resistance is not new, and it is not going away, as she knows from personal experience.
History Teaches Us to Resist -- A Conversation with Dr. Mary Frances Berry
When: Thursday, July 5, 6:30pm - 8:00pm | $5, for tickets go here.
Where: Brooklyn Historical Society, 128 Pierrepont Street. Brooklyn, NY 11201
