Rifles, Radio and Resistance

Rifles, Radio & Resistance: Robert F. Williams and the Black Freedom Movement

Thursday, February 18 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Featuring Dr. Freddie Parker & Dr. Seth Kotch | Moderated by Christie Norris, Carolina K-12

***Registrants are encouraged to complete this reading, “Teaching About Self Defense in the African American Freedom Struggle,” prior to participation.

While our history books usually include a watered-down version of the American Civil Rights Movement and its use of non-violent direct action, little attention is paid to the courageous resistance to white supremacy enacted by men such as North Carolina’s Robert F. Williams. The defiance of Mr. Williams and thousands of other activists, including the partnership of his wife Mabel, illustrates how black Southerners were prepared to defend themselves, their families, their homes, and their rights however necessary – including armed self-defense if and when necessary. In this session, we will examine the influences, philosophies, leadership, and action of Robert F. Williams, which as written by Dr. Tim Tyson, “illustrates that ‘the civil rights movement’ and ‘the Black Power movement’ emerged from the same soil, confronted the same predicaments, and reflected the same quest for African American freedom.”

All educators (K-12, community college, university) are welcome to attend, including community educators and individuals with interest in the topic. Material shared will be most relevant for educators of grade 8 and higher, however.

This event is provided by Carolina K-12 and the NC Museum of History, with funding from the Braitmayer Foundation.