We Shall Overcome

Janice Del Negro

Powledge's history of the civil rights movement in America begins with an explanation of why the movement began, then places the movement within the context of a system of segregation that existed with the government's tacit approval. A history of the movement's milestones ensues, including information on the Montgomery bus boycott of 1955, the lynching of Emmet Till, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee. Using the work of activist groups as his focal point, Powledge gives a chronological narrative of the movement, following with biographical material on individuals who fought, and are still fighting, the good fight. In the 1960s, Powledge covered the movement for the "Atlanta Journal" and the "New York Times", and his grasp of his topic is commendable. While his writing style is sometimes stuffy, his passionate involvement in the issues always comes through. A time line of events in African American history is included, and photographs are planned.