Negro with Guns by Robert F. Williams

[Troy]

One of the things I like about running this site is the stuff I learn.

 

Someone ordered the book Negro with Guns yesterday; I was not really familiar with the book nor was I familiar with Robert F. Williams, the author of the book.  Negro with Guns is considered "the most important intellectual influence on the Black Pather Party." He also helped found Radio Free Dixie which was broadcast out of Cuba, where he lived in exile for e time, and could be heard all over the south, NY and LA.  During the Vietnam War it was it was rebroadcast in Vietnam. 

 

Now I appreciate Williams was probably popular in his day, but I'm disappointed I was not familiar with him until now.  Coincidentally their memoirs, Memoirs of Robert and Mabel Williams: African American Freedom, Armed Resistance, and International Solidarity will be published next week 

 

 

[ProfD]

7 hours ago, Troy said:

Now I appreciate Williams was probably popular in his day, but I'm disappointed I was not familiar with him until now. 

I doubt that Robert Williams was as popular as his non-violent contemporaries.

 

Interesting part of the video is that Williams  turned down a phone call from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

 

Dr. King hadn't answered or showed up when Williams requested him. So, Williams felt like he had to handle that situation himself.

 

Wiliams was totally on point in organizing a militia of armed Black folks to protect themselves in racist NC pre-1960s.

 

I could see Cuba giving Robert Williams political asylum. Surprised that China did as well to include a reception provided by Chinese people too.

 

Robert Williams was a real one. But, I also understand the majority of Black folks' decision not to arm themselves being 1/10th of the population during that time.