Activism From Another Perspective

Whereas Gil Fagiani offered an activist view into the social problems of the 1960s and 1970s, Barry Fredericks gave us a look behind the scenes of the system Fagiani alternatively struggled against and sought to work with. It was an outsider’s vs. insider’s point of view. And yet, these were not necessarily opposed to each other. Merely, these two figures fought the same fight from different vantage points. Combined, I think that these two visitors highlighted how much both a healthy judicial system, and strong civilian accountability are needed in this country.

Many important decisions regarding civil rights were made in the 1960s, 70s, and 50s. Among the first to come to my mind are Brown v Board, the Loving case, and Roe v Wade. Behind these cases, more than just the Supreme Court Justices, were the lawyers who worked to gather evidence to make these cases. Federicks was one of these lawyers in Washington. Taking into account the reading from this week, so was John Doar, who advocated for civil rights from the dangerous vantage point of the 1960s South. Frederick’s stories were somewhat comforting given the current state of affairs in this country. He told us how wrongs were made rights through a strong judiciary, something Trump has tried –but hopefully failed- to undermine.

-Rachel Smalle