Hillbilly Nationalists, Urban Race Rebels, and Black Power: Community Organizing in Radical Times Paperback – September 16, 2011

This is really two books. The first 3/4 of the book os a detailed examination of attempts to organize poor white people living in the Uptown neighborhood on the north side of Chicago for a few years in the late 60's and early 70's. The last section is a much briefer, less detail rich account of similar work in New York and Philadelphia at about the same time. These latter sections lack the rich local detail of the first part of the book, and the reader gets the feeling that the authors did not have nearly the same number of interviews and documentary record that they had for Uptown.The first portion of the book--focused on Uptown was both fascinating, and disappointing. Roger Ebert once said that no one can enjoy a movie shot in their own dining room because all they will see is the flaws in the wallpaper. Maybe that was my problem with Hillbilly Nationalists.I have worked in Uptown since 1978--a few years after this account stops--at the Uptown People's Law Center, a store-front legal clinic much like the one described in the book. I know several of the people from Uptown described in the book. The history of JOIN, Rising Up Angry, and associated organizations is certainly fascinating, well written, and full of detail. a good story.But his presentation of the so called fracturing of the left in Uptown--which is where the book stops its account--is woefully incomplete. Many people picked up the struggle right where the book stops--and are still there today. Dozens of activists have now lived and worked in Uptown for 30+ years, struggling in one structure or another to maintain a progressive position in a racially, economically, and ethnically diverse community, and continuing to link the local struggles with multiracial citywide coalitions, national movements, and the international anti-colonialism/anti-war movements. This effort has reshaped Uptown, with a core of progressive, low income people of all races and ethnic groups (and sexual orientation), all willing and able to fight for their community.Just this past weekend, the community banded together to fight against school closings. The group included students, artists, teachers, and poor people, Black, White, Latino, Asian, African, and many more. Many had lived here for decades, and in some cases families included three generations who attended the same local school. This history of struggle has resulted in a community unique in Chicago--if not the entire country.The few short years described here were only a beginning, not an ending. The remainder of the story needs to be told.

I grew up in a white Chicago suburb in the '60s and 70's. This book connects what I knew from the perspective of the middle class adults around me with what was happening in the inner city communities of color AND whites.

Such great history that gets forgotten within the Civil Rights Movement. It was great and very informative. I think this is a great book for anyone that wants to dip their toes into the Rainbow Coalition in Chicago.

Great book!

Very powerful book!This book reveals the hidden history of the cooperation between Black and White America in such a critical time. Very inspirational and proves what can be done! Truly anything seems possible after reading this book, a tremendous social justice book and should be a required reading in public schools.

This book examines a history that needs to be unearthed and shared if we are to realize a more just world. This work provides a great learning and teaching tool for those interested in social justice. Check it out.

Important History RevealedCalmly and objectively written this book reveals an underside to America few of us are aware of. I recommend it to everyone who cares about this country and wonders how we got to where we are.

Great book. I learned a lot about activists that I didn't know much about. Also, the authors challenge us to think about the intersection s of race, class and culture. Good read.

I reveived my book on time ( Canada ) thank you