First published in 1984, This Mighty Dream traces and interprets the development of popular movements for social change in the United States. Agrarian protest, the labour struggle, the black freedom movement, and community organizing are vividly depicted. The authors address the practical dilemmas of organization and action including: the pursuit of immediate benefits versus broader social goals; divisions of race, gender, and class; leadership accountability; tensions between central direction and local autonomy; and the meshing of political strategies and direct action tactics. This Mighty Dream is richly illustrated with photographs, drawings, posters, cartoons, songs, and other movement artifacts. This book will be of interest to students of sociology, social work, history as well as activists.
