Comparing the events of the 1960s to today
DEMOCRATIC CLUB
By Mary Larson
LW Contributor
While the nation continues to memorialize civil rights icon John Lewis, it feels appropriate to compare events of the 1960s with what is happening across the country today.
One such comparison comes from our close friend, the Rev. James (Jim) Lawson, Jr. Jim was the featured speaker at the January meeting of LW’s Senior Patriots for Peace. Jim’s elegy to John Lewis at his funeral services on July 30 is available to watch on Youtube at: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=YOxpSPT5PnI& fe ature=youtu.be.
As a young man, Jim Lawson was chosen by Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to train young activists to fight racism non-violently. Jim had invited King to Memphis in 1968 and was standing beside him when he was assassinated on April 4.
David Halberstam, then a 25-year-old reporter, was assigned to cover the courage and vision demonstrated by these young people – including Jim Lawson - who were changing history. In his 1998 book titled “The Children,” David covers Jim’s life extensively. This story of the early days of the civil rights movement is still available.
In a just released article, Rev. Lawson calls the Black Lives Matter campaign of today the most important nonviolent campaign since the movement that he, John Lewis and C.T. Vivian helped lead.
Jim writes, “As a student of nonviolence and history, this past spring I have said the 21st century has a chance to have movements like this one. To be far larger and more dynamic than anything we did in 20th century.”
In a June 24 article in Vox, American journalist Ezra Klein writes about the historically multiethnic nature of the Black Lives Matter protests, and the rapid change in polling around racial issues which have put African American in coalition with Hispanics, Asians, and white liberals. According to Ezra, the Democratic Party is increasingly a coalition of people who experience racism directly or base part of their identity on opposing it ideologically.
Recent polling following George Floyd’s death indicate a big shift from the 1960s. A recent Monmouth survey found that 71 percent of Democrats thought the anger driving the protests was justified. A CNN poll found 92 percent believe the criminal justice system is biased against Black Americans. A CBS poll found that 76 percent believe African Americans face “a lot” of discrimination in daily life.
As one of the latest signs as to how the Black Lives Matter movement is reshaping politics, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that top CA Democratic leaders are demanding that the party stop accepting campaign contributions from law enforcement unions.
The San Diego County Democratic Party has published online an extensive list of acticles, resources, and guides in support of the Back Lives Matter movement and other anti-racism efforts. Congressman Harley Rouda has participated in BLM protests.
•••• Those who want to stay informed and are interested in receiving the Democratic Club’s electronic newsletter on a regular basis, should email mlarson. telfords@gmail.com or call (562) 296-8521 with your contact information.
R e v. J a m e s Lawson Jr.
