James Wolfinger, "If There Is No Struggle There Is No Progress: Black Politics in Twentieth-Century Philadelphia" (Temple UP, 2022)

May 6, 2024

Historian James Wolfinger discusses Black politics in 20th-century Philadelphia, highlighting grassroots movements, challenges against discrimination, and shifts from Republican to Democratic leadership. The podcast explores the impact of Black activism on local politics, including protests against police abuse, education reform, and election of African American representatives. It sheds light on pivotal figures like Mayor Wilson Goode and the historical evolution of political alignments within the Black community.

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Introduction

00:00 • 6min

Unveiling Philadelphia's Complex African American History

05:57 • 6min

Collaborative Creation: Tracing Black Politics in Philadelphia

11:33 • 5min

Political Shifts and Grassroots Activism in Black Philadelphia Amidst Economic Hardships

16:30 • 4min

Historical Evolution of Black Philadelphians' Political Alignments

20:18 • 9min

Frank Rizzo: Polarizing Figure in Philadelphia Politics

29:23 • 24min

Exploring the Early Political Engagement of Black Women in Philadelphia

52:58 • 4min

If There Is No Struggle There Is No Progress: Black Politics in Twentieth-Century Philadelphia (Temple UP, 2022) provides an in-depth historical analysis of Philadelphia politics from the days of the Great Migration to the present. Philadelphia has long been a crucial site for the development of Black politics across the nation and this volume emphasizes how Black activists have long protested against police abuse, pushed for education reform, challenged job and housing discrimination, and put presidents in the White House. If There Is No Struggle There Is No Progress demonstrates that “Philadelphia must be central to any analysis of African American political history.”

But politics means more than elected office and the book highlights political strategies such as the "Don't Buy Where You Can't Work" movement and the Double V campaign. It demonstrates how Black activism helped shift Philadelphia from the Republican machine to Democratic leaders in the 1950s and highlights the election of politicians like Robert N. C. Nix, Sr., the first African American representative from Philadelphia. The book highlights grassroots movements and the intersection of race, gender, class, and politics in the 1960s and shows how African Americans from the 1970s to the present challenged (white) Mayor Frank Rizzo and helped elect (Black) Mayors Wilson Goode, John Street, and Michael Nutter.

Dean James Wolfinger (he/him/his) serves as dean of the School of Education at St. John’s University in Queens, New York.

Dr. Stanley Arnold (he/him/his) is an Associate Professor of American History at Northern Illinois University.

Dr. Alyssa Ribeiro (she/her/hers) is the Henry A Logan, Sr, Professor of American History at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania.

Ms. Daniela Lavergne at Saint Joseph’s University served as the editorial assistant for this podcast.

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