If There Is No Struggle There Is No Progress: Black Politics in Twentieth-Century Philadelphia

Philadelphia has a long history of Black politics and activism, from the Great Migration to the present. "If There Is No Struggle There Is No Progress" provides an in-depth historical analysis of the people and movements that made the city a center of political activism, highlighting the strength of political strategies such as the "Dont Buy Where You Cant Work" movement and the Double V campaign. It demonstrates how Black activism helped shift Philadelphia from the Republican machine to Democratic leaders in the 1950s and highlights the election of politicians like Robert N. C. Nix, Sr., the first African American representative from Philadelphia.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 275 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2022
Publisher: Temple University Press,U.S.

Philadelphia has played a pivotal role in the development of Black politics throughout the nation. If There Is No Struggle There Is No Progress offers a comprehensive historical examination, spanning from the era of the Great Migration to the present, of the individuals and movements that have established the city as a hub of political activism. The editor and contributors shed light on how Black activists have consistently resisted police brutality, advocated for educational reform, challenged job and housing discrimination, and ultimately influenced presidential elections.

If There Is No Struggle There Is No Progress emphasizes the effectiveness of political strategies such as the "Dont Buy Where You Cant Work" movement and the Double V campaign. It showcases how Black activism played a significant role in transforming Philadelphia from a Republican stronghold to a Democratic-led city in the 1950s. It also highlights the election of notable politicians like Robert N. C. Nix, Sr., the first African American representative from Philadelphia. Furthermore, the book delves into grassroots movements and the intricate interplay of race, gender, class, and politics during the 1960s. It illustrates how African Americans, from the 1970s to the present, challenged Mayor Frank Rizzo and contributed to the election of Mayors Wilson Goode, John Street, and Michael Nutter.

Convincingly, If There Is No Struggle There Is No Progress establishes that Black activism has consistently wielded a significant influence in Philadelphia politics.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781439919279