Episode 11

What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement?

When you think of the Civil Rights Movement, you probably think of Martin Luther King, the back of the bus, or maybe even the Klu Klux Klan. Over time, the battle for civil rights in America has been simplified, tweaked, even fabricated. So in this episode we take a closer look at a struggle which has torn apart, reshaped and defined the United States of America as we ask... what do we get wrong about the Civil Rights Movement?

Joining from the faculty is Dr. Nicholas Grant, a historian of twentieth century United States and author of 'Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960.' His research focuses on race, internationalism and transnational activism.

We also have the pleasure of being joined on this episode by Gary Younge, an award-winning author, broadcaster and professor of sociology at the University of Manchester. His books include The Speech: The Story Behind Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream, and he is one of the most highly regarded voices on global civil rights.

Connect with Gary Younge:

Visit his website

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Additional Resources:

BOOK: Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960 by Nicholas Grant

BOOK: The Speech: The Story Behind Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Dream by Gary Younge

WEBSITE: The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC)

BOOK: Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement: A Radical Democratic Vision by Barbara Ransbury

BOOK: Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Women Who Started It: The Memoir of Jo Ann Gibson Robinson

If you enjoy this episode, you may also like:

What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement?

What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America?

What is the Civil Rights Act?

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About the Podcast

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America: A History
Your Ultimate Guide to US History

About your host

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Liam Heffernan

Liam's fascination with America grows year on year. Having graduated with a Masters in American Studies with Film, he loves pop culture and has been to Vegas four times which, in his opinion, is not enough.