Left in the Midwest: St. Louis Progressive Activism in the 1960s and 1970s

St. Louis has a history of social-movement organizing, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s, focusing on Black freedom, lesbian and gay liberation, women's rights, and environmental activism. This volume highlights the importance of locality, neighborhood, and community institutions in shaping these initiatives, offering a revised understanding of the region's past and possibilities for current activist movements.

Format: Hardback
Length: 554 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2023
Publisher: University of Missouri Press

Despite its reputation as a conservative and sleepy Midwestern metropolis, St. Louis and the surrounding region have a rich history of hosting dynamic social movement organizing. This was particularly evident during the 1960s and 1970s, when a new generation of activists emerged in the city to contribute to ongoing struggles for Black freedom, lesbian and gay liberation, women's rights, and support for the peace movement and environmental activism. This groundbreaking volume, the first of its kind, presents fifteen scholarly contributions that shed light on the diverse range of progressive activist initiatives that took shape in St. Louis during these tumultuous decades.

In contrast to scholarship that tends to interpret social movement initiatives in a national context, the works in this collection emphasize the significance of locality, neighborhood, community institutions, and rooted social networks. Left in the Midwest showcases how place played a pivotal role in shaping agendas, worldviews, and opportunities for the diverse groups that dedicated themselves to progressive visions for their city. By reimagining the region's past, this volume also expands our understanding of the potential for current activist movements to make meaningful change in St. Louis and beyond.

The contributions in this volume cover a wide range of topics, including the civil rights movement, labor organizing, women's liberation, environmental activism, and community development. Each essay offers a unique perspective on the challenges and successes of these movements, drawing on a wealth of primary sources and secondary literature. The authors explore how local activists leveraged their networks, institutions, and cultural resources to build powerful coalitions and achieve significant victories.

One of the key themes that emerges from the essays is the importance of community building and solidarity. Activists in St. Louis recognized the power of collective action and worked tirelessly to create spaces where individuals from different backgrounds could come together to share their experiences, ideas, and resources. This sense of community not only provided a source of support and encouragement but also helped to broaden the scope of their campaigns and reach a wider audience.

Another notable aspect of the social movement organizing in St. Louis was the intersectionality of its campaigns. Activists recognized that different forms of oppression and discrimination were interconnected and worked to address them collectively. For example, they linked the struggles for Black freedom and women's rights, recognizing that both groups faced systemic barriers to equality and justice.

Despite the challenges and setbacks faced by social movement organizers in St. Louis, their efforts had a lasting impact on the city and the region. The civil rights movement, in particular, paved the way for greater racial equality and social justice in the United States. The labor movement, too, played a crucial role in improving working conditions and advocating for workers' rights.

In conclusion, Left in the Midwest is a valuable contribution to the scholarship on social movement organizing. By highlighting the importance of locality, community, and intersectionality, the volume provides a fresh perspective on the history of progressive activism in St. Louis and beyond. It serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the potential for social change in even the most unlikely places. As current activist movements continue to strive for a more just and equitable world, this book offers valuable insights and inspiration for their work.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780826222688