From Protest to Politics - by Brett Gadsden (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

The inspiring true story of the generation of Black officials who took their activism into the halls of power, working in historic leadership roles within the White House, forever reshaping civil rights, presidential politics, and the nation.

The history of the 1960s is often told through the lens of civil rights leaders, Black protestors, and White politicians who won civil rights legislation. This book finally tells the full story of the unsung Black officials who were just as instrumental in political victories that moved the nation toward the ideals of equality embedded in the US Constitution.

In his book From Protest to Politics, Northwestern professor of history Brett Gadsden unlocks the stories of the critical generation of Black leaders--Clifford Alexander, Marjorie Lawson, and Louis Martin, among others--who conducted essential work within the John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson administrations to bring about necessary change. These Black officials gained unprecedented positions of power, for the first time integrating the ranks of the cabinet, senior White House leadership, and staff. Appointed to historic key positions within the executive branch, they used their stature, political skill, and perspectives to advance equal rights for all Americans.

Richly told and drawing upon years of research, From Protest to Politics is a seminal work not only in the history of civil rights and Black politics but also a groundbreaking work of American history.

Review Quotes

"Turning the last page of Gadsden's groundbreaking and powerful history From Protest to Politics, I marveled at how these Black leaders in Washington navigated the rapids of white racial resentment and impossible expectations. Here Gadsden lays out the extraordinary foundational work they performed from within the halls of power to turn social justice achievement into hardcore policy reality."
--Carol Anderson, author of the National Book Critics Circle Award-winner and New York Times bestseller White Rage

"On the day he was inaugurated Barack Obama handed John Lewis a note. 'Because of you, ' it read. Obama could have said the same of the generation of policy makers Brett Gadsden's marvelous new book uncovers. From Protest to Politics is a history we need to see for the complexity it reveals and the audacious hope it holds."
--Kevin Boyle, author of the National Book Award winner Arc of Justice

"Brett Gadsden chronicles here the impressive and pioneering Black men and women (you won't forget Marjorie Lawson) who were inside the Kennedy and Johnson administrations helping to shape and hold our Democracy during the battle-scarred 1960s. Given the tenor of our times, this elegantly told chronicle is a necessary reminder of the importance--and wisdom--of inclusion."
--Wil Haygood, New York Times bestselling author of The War Within a War and The Butler

"From Protest to Politics stands as one of the most original and exciting books on the Black freedom struggle to come our way in a very long time. In Gadsden's expert hands, the stories of the indispensable men and women at the center of this eye-opening book make for engaging, lively, and page-turning human drama."
--David Greenberg, author of Pulitzer Prize finalist John Lewis

"Gadsden, one of our leading historians of race and politics, has written a monumental work that reveals how these vital Black figures bridged the wills of protestors and presidents, and how, in doing so, they provided a bridge from the past to the present."
--Kevin M. Kruse, author of Myth America

"Brett Gadsden's book is a seminal work in the study of American politics and history. This book will prove useful to readers as they attempt to translate their principles into real politics."
--Nicholas Buccola, author of New York Times Editors' Choice The Fire Is Upon Us

"A finely written, meticulously researched narrative of a small cadre of Black officials who played key roles at turning points of national politics. At last, with this book, their essential stories are brought into the spotlight."
--Ethan Michaeli, author of New York Times Notable Book The Defender

About the Author

Brett Gadsden is a professor of history at Northwestern University and the author of Between North and South. He is a leading expert in twentieth-century Black American political and social history. He has written about race and politics for The Atlantic, Politico, and the Chicago Tribune. He lives with his wife, former US Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey, in Evanston, Illinois.