New Books in History Gloria Browne-Marshall, "A Protest History of the United States" (Beacon Press, 2026)
Dec 8, 2025
Gloria J. Browne-Marshall, a professor of constitutional law and civil rights attorney, dives into the compelling narrative of protest in America. She explores the roots of Indigenous resistance, from Chief Powhatan to contemporary climate activism. Browne-Marshall sheds light on significant figures like Muhammad Ali and discusses the evolution of protest beyond mere marches. Delving into the intersections of law and social justice, she emphasizes the power of diverse protest forms and the critical need for collective action to shape a more equitable future.
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Protest As An Argument, Not Just History
- Gloria J. Brown Marshall frames protest as an argument that informs, inspires, and empowers readers rather than just a neutral history.
- She blends legal analysis, personal memoir, and activism to make protest's case persuasive and practical.
A Brooklyn Activist Sparked The Project
- The book's project grew personal after Browne-Marshall learned an activist in Brooklyn died penniless despite decades of service.
- That discovery motivated her to defend protest's ongoing value and to center forgotten activists in the narrative.
Target The Skeptical Reader
- Write for the skeptical reader who doubts protest's effectiveness and build the case with varied evidence and activists' testimony.
- Use history, primary sources, interviews, and legal argumentation to persuade that protesting matters.
