Civil Rights in Black and Brown: Histories of Resistance and Struggle in Texas

In mid-twentieth-century Texas, two civil rights movements, African American and Mexican American, fought against Jim Crow and Juan Crow caste systems. Civil Rights in Black and Brown explores over 500 oral history interviews to reveal previously undocumented struggles for equity and the connections between Black and Chicanx organizers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 576 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2022
Publisher: University of Texas Press

The 2022 Best Book Award, presented by the Oral History Association, recognizes the profound impact of activists who played pivotal roles in the intertwined African American and Mexican American liberation struggles of mid-twentieth-century Texas. These movements emerged in the backdrop of a state where two distinct civil rights movements thrived, each in close dialogue with the other. Contrary to the limited attention of the national media, African American and Mexican American activists courageously confronted the twin caste systems of Jim Crow and Juan Crow, challenging the oppressive norms that perpetuated racial inequality. While they primarily worked within their respective racial communities, they also sought guidance and unity from one another, forming alliances that strengthened their collective efforts.

These movements went beyond mere integration and access; they demanded a fundamental shift in power and justice. Civil Rights in Black and Brown is a groundbreaking work that draws upon over 500 oral history interviews, meticulously collected across the diverse landscapes of Texas. These testimonies provide a vivid account of the intricate structure of racism in both small towns and bustling metropolises, encompassing the everyday realities of segregation and the haunting spectacles of racial violence that upheld the state-sanctioned systems of white supremacy. Through their recollections of resistance and revolution, the activists unveil previously undocumented struggles for equity and reveal the profound connections forged by Black and Chicanx organizers in their pursuit of self-determination.

This book serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of those who fought against injustice, illuminating the profound impact of their collective efforts on shaping the history of Texas and beyond. It sheds light on the interconnectedness of the African American and Mexican American experiences, highlighting the shared struggles and victories that fueled the pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable society. As we continue to grapple with the legacies of racism and discrimination, Civil Rights in Black and Brown offers valuable insights and inspiration for future generations of activists and advocates.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781477323786