Mary Frances Berry Discusses Her New Book “History Teaches Us to Resist: How Progressive Movements Have Succeeded in Challenging Times”
Mary Frances Berry, the Geraldine R. Segal Professor of American Social Thought and a professor of history and Africana studies, has tackled the history of constitutional racism in America, child care, women’s rights, voter suppression, racial identity, and activism. As the former chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, Berry demanded equal rights throughout five presidential administrations. She is also a former assistant secretary for education in what was then known as the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. She’s received 35 honorary doctoral degrees.
Berry is the author of 12 books, the most recent being “History Teaches Us to Resist: How Progressive Movements Have Succeeded in Challenging Times.” In it, she shares her memories of being a protestor, provides an in-depth analysis of protest strategies, and highlights lessons from a lengthy history of fighting against injustice.
Based on firsthand experience and historical research, Berry outlines the power of resistance and outlines the ways in which protest is a key ingredient in politics.
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