"This book fights fascism. This books offers hope. We The Resistance
is essential reading for those who wish to understand how popular
movements built around nonviolence have changed the world and why they
retain the power to do so again."—Jonathan Eig, author of Ali: A Life
A first-person history of nonviolent resistance in the U.S., from pre-Revolutionary America to the Trump years.
While historical accounts of the United States typically focus on the
nation's military past, a rich and vibrant counterpoint remains
basically unknown to most Americans. This alternate story of the
formation of our nation—and its character—is one in which courageous
individuals and movements have wielded the weapons of nonviolence to
resist policies and practices they considered to be unjust, unfair, and
immoral.
We the Resistance gives curious citizens and
current resisters unfiltered access to the hearts and minds—the rational
and passionate voices—of their activist predecessors. Beginning with
the pre-Revolutionary era and continuing through the present day,
readers will directly encounter the voices of protesters sharing
instructive stories about their methods (from sit-ins to tree-sitting)
and opponents (from Puritans to Wall Street bankers), as well as
inspirational stories about their failures (from slave petitions to the
fight for the ERA) and successes (from enfranchisement for women to
today's reform of police practices). Instruction and inspiration run
throughout this captivating reader, generously illustrated with historic
graphics and photographs of nonviolent protests throughout U.S.
history.
"This comprehensive documentary history of non-violent resisters and
resistance movements is an inspiring antidote to any movement fatigue or
pessimism about the value of protest. It tells us we can learn from the
past as we confront the present and hope to shape the future. Read,
enjoy and take courage knowing you are never alone in trying to create a
more just world. Persevere and persist and win, but know that even
losing is worth the fight and teaches lessons for later struggles."—Mary Frances Berry, author of History Teaches Us to Resist: How Progressive Movements Have Succeeded in Challenging Times
610 pages, 9" X 6.5" size.