Over the Past Century, Youthful Black Advocates Have Influenced America's Development
In the vibrant tapestry of contemporary activism and protest sweeping across the United States, Rita Omokha's "Resist: How a Century of Young Black Activists Shaped America" serves as a timely and poignant contribution. With roots in the South Bronx and inspired by the tragic murder of George Floyd in 2020, Omokha offers insights into a century-long legacy of civil rights activism, teasing out connections between the icons of the past and today's young, impenetrable force of Black protesters and advocates.
Our conversation with the dynamic and inspiring author began with a simple query: what inspired her to place such a spotlight on young Black activists? Omokha’s answer was straightforward and powerful, revealing the potent cocktail of personal experience, civic responsibility, and a burning desire to bear witness. As a recent graduate of Columbia with a master’s in journalism and several prestigious awards under her belt, Omokha felt compelled to translate her newfound freedoms into action.
“The seeds of Resist were sown in 2020,” she explained, her voice crackling with fresh determination. “I wanted to talk with as many people as possible – to ask them how they were contending with the times. I focused my attention on public places like parks, visiting small towns and urban centers alike, from Stuart, Nebraska, to Los Angeles.”
In 30 whirlwind states and 32 days, Omokha collected the stories, experiences, and triumphs of 127 young people spanning various races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. It was this diverse and dynamic group that would ultimately form the backbone of her captivating book: “Resist” was born out of her encounter with the PDX Black Youth Movement in Portland, Oregon. The sight of raw, fearless teenagers mobilizing against systemic injustice and brutality served as a catalyst for the project that would capture the imagination of so many.
As Omokha delved into the rich vein of young activism, she discovered an overlapping thread that connected generations in an unbreakable bond: the shared mission of challenging systemic oppression, demanding racial justice, and holding those in power accountable. These young firebrands were not only upholding the legacies of their forebears but also, in the words of Omokha, “showing that the fight for liberation isn’t just history – it’s happening right now.”
The role of technology and social media in amplifying contemporary activism emerged as a recurring theme in our conversation. As Omokha observed, activists in the civil rights era were limited by the means of communication available, relying on word of mouth, church meetings, and sparse media coverage. In stark contrast, today’s activists harness the power of real-time communication to rally support, share their stories, and topple barriers.
As we explored the historical moments in “Resist” that might be overlooked or underappreciated, Omokha returned to the Bates Seven, a little-known but powerful force in the dismantling of racial segregation in sports. By challenging their school's administrators and demanding equal treatment, these seven students played an unsung but essential role in breaking down the awful Gentlemen's Agreement that had excluded Black athletes from intercollegiate competitions. Their efforts fueled the broader movement against racial segregation in athletics, paving the way for the integration of sports that we enjoy today.
As a proud Black immigrant, Omokha strives to weave her unique perspective into her work. Reading “Resist,” one cannot mistake the passion that drives her every word, and that commitment to illuminating the untold stories of young Black activists is as inspiring as the wonderful tales themselves.
In conclusion, Rita Omokha's “Resist” seeks to remind us that well-known leaders are not the sole catalysts of societal change, but that it is also young people who share their conviction and determination that ultimately effect lasting change. The lessons of history penetrate deep into our hearts, urging us to rise up, voice our convictions, and to refuse to be silent in the face of injustice. As Omokha so beautifully puts it, “Tell yourself you can – and watch yourself prove it.”
- Rita Omokha's book, "Resist," delves into the contributions of young Black activists, drawing parallels with historical icons like Ella Baker and the impact of movements like the NAACP's Gentleman's Agreement challenge.
- Marybeth Gasman, a renowned scholar at Rutgers University, praised Rita Omokha's work, stating that it highlights the crucial role of youth in shaping societal change, following in the footsteps of Black activists such as George Floyd's legacy.
- Rita Omokha's dedication to amplifying the voices of young activists is evident in her exploration of the Bates Seven, a lesser-known but powerful force that challenged racial segregation in sports and influenced future movements against systemic racism.
- The NAACP launched a campaign against the Gentleman's Agreement, a practice that excluded Black athletes from intercollegiate competitions. Young activists like the Bates Seven played a significant role in pushing back against this systemic injustice, paving the way for future progress in sports integration.
- Drawing inspiration from her connection to Black activism and her experience at Rutgers University, Marybeth Gasman encouraged readers to resist complacency and embrace the spirit of activism, drawing strength from historical figures such as Ella Baker and the Bates Seven.
