The Civil Rights Chronicle recounts the details and drama of the American civil rights movement; the decades-long struggle for equality for all people. This comprehensive; 448-page book primarily focuses on the years 1954 through 1968; while also documenting the radical shift in the movement after the 1960s as well as significant civil rights issues up to the present day. Written by noted scholars; the chronicle offers: A foreword by Myrlie Evers-Williams; wife of former NAACP field secretary Medgar Evers; who was assassinated in 1963. A 1;200-item timeline that marks significant points along the battle for civil rights; from the Brown v. Topeka Board of Education decision to the assassination of movement leader Martin Luther King; Jr. Essays describing 26 watershed events; such as the Montgomery bus boycott; crisis at Little Rock High School; sit-ins; and freedom rides. Decade-overview essays that give readers a big picture perspective; including the impact of the Depression on African Americans in the 1930s to the rolling back of affirmative action in the 1980s. More than 80 sidebars on such subjects as Thurgood Marshall; the 1965 Voting Rights Act; letter from a Birmingham jail; and the black power salute at the 1968 Olympics. More than 20 first-hand accounts from those directly involved in the civil rights struggle; including Rosa Parks and Little Rock student Elizabeth Eckford. More than 900 photographs that visually tell the story of the African American struggle for civil rights; such as images of the Birmingham church bombings and the March on Washington.The Civil Rights Chronicle is part of Legacy Publishing s historical series.
#4621736 in Books Mcgill Queens Univ Pr 2001-06-14Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.34 x 1.01 x 6.35l; 1.15 #File Name: 0773521887284 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Very useful.By Mr. HistoryI expected this to be another dry and academic tome but it was really very interesting. I learned a lot about some Christian organizations about which I knew very little. I found Christian Attitudes toward the State of Israel very useful.8 of 10 people found the following review helpful. well written; honest; thoroughBy westwindI can't say enough good things about this book. In fact; I am going to buy several copies to give to friends; both Christian and Jewish. I'd like to give it to liberal Protestant friends; but sadly; having read the book I am older and wiser about the deep roots of liberal Protestant hostility to Israel (and Jews).I found the background on the World Council of Churches; the Vatican; and the Evangelicals really fascinating. Merkley is wonderfully frank and honest about difficult topics. I found him a trustworthy reporter. At times his exasperation shows; but on the whole he shows an admirable restraint.This book helped me understand some unpleasant interchanges I've had with people in my own community; for example the Presbyterian minister and the socially elite lady who works with Protestant missions in "Palestine." I have been deeply disturbed by their moral indifference to Jewish life (the minister) and outright anti-semitic slurs (the rich mission lady.) It is always helpful to be able to put personal experiences like this in a larger political/historical context and understand them at a deeper level.On a happier note; Merkley gave me information I did not know about the theology and policies of the main Evangelical groups. I was especially interested to learn that the often repeated comment they are only helping Israel so that all the Jews will be killed in Armageddon is actually a lie promulgated by anti-Israeli Christians eager to alienate Jews from their one group of dependable support (Merkley says this in a much more measured way; but that's the nub). I have to say this also fits my personal experience - the several evangelicals I have talked to in my community have only quoted Bible about 'those that bless you shall be blessed; those that curse you shall be cursed' in explaining why they think supporting Israel is a good idea (in both senses of the word 'good.')I feel very grateful to Merkley for this book and I only wish it were more widely read.2 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A Must ReadBy Dexter Van ZileThis book documents how liberal Protestants in the U.S. who have reworked their theology regarding the Jewish people have allowed the prophetic voices of their churches to be hi-jacked by groups like Sabeel and the Middle East Council of Churches and other church institutions that have embraced what can be politely described as a Judeophobic agenda. These institutions have portrayed Israel's efforts to defend itself against enemies intent on destroying it as a Jewish assault on Christian sensibilities and the mainline churches cooperate in broadcasting this narrative. Merkley offers enormously valuable background and history to the conflict. It also provides insight into how putatively progressive Christians have remained silent about the the mistreatment of religious and ethnic minorities in the Middle East. A hugely important book that has not gotten enough attention. A must read for this interested in understanding Christian anti-Zionism.
