We Are Worth Fighting For: A History of the Howard University Student Protest of 1989

We Are Worth Fighting For is the first history of the 1989 Howard University protest, inspired by the emergence of "conscious" hip hop and a resurgent black nationalist ethos. Black Nia F.O.R.C.E., co-founded by Ras Baraka, was at the forefront of organizing the student mobilization. The book explores how black student activists shaped and resisted the rightward shift and neoliberal foundations of American politics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2022
Publisher: New York University Press

The Howard University protests of 1989, viewed from the perspective and worldview of its participants, took on a profound significance. We Are Worth Fighting For, the first comprehensive account of this historic event, delves into the roots and motivations behind the three-day occupation of the Administration Building. This occupation marked a continuation of the student movements of the sixties and posed a unique challenge to the politics of the eighties. The appointment of Republican strategist Lee Atwater to the Board of Trustees, a decision that deeply upset the students, served as the catalyst for their action. They took matters into their own hands by shutting down the university's operations, forcing the issue to the forefront.

The protests were infused with a sense of consciousness and hip-hop culture, which played a significant role in building support for student governance. The emergence of "conscious" hip-hop provided a platform for young black activists to express their grievances and advocate for change. The protests drew upon a resurgent black nationalist ethos, emphasizing the importance of self-determination and collective empowerment.

At the heart of this story lies a student organization known as Black Nia F.O.R.C.E., co-founded by Ras Baraka. Black Nia F.O.R.C.E. played a pivotal role in organizing the student mobilization at Howard during the spring of 1989 and continued to be a driving force in the subsequent protests. The book explores how black student activists, both young men and women, contributed to shaping and resisting the rightward shift and neoliberal foundations of American politics.

We Are Worth Fighting For adds to the growing literature on Black campus activism, Black Power studies, and the emerging histories of African American life in the 1980s. It sheds light on the experiences and struggles of black students during a period of significant social and political change, providing a valuable perspective on the complexities of the era.

In conclusion, the Howard University protests of 1989 were a testament to the power of student activism and the determination of black students to fight for their rights and dignity. Through their occupation of the Administration Building, they challenged the status quo and pushed for a more inclusive and equitable university. The protests were inspired by a combination of factors, including the emergence of conscious hip-hop, a resurgent black nationalist ethos, and the desire for student governance. We Are Worth Fighting For serves as a valuable contribution to our understanding of this historic event and its enduring impact on American society.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479816767