Table of Contents
Erik Loomis, author of the acclaimed A History of America in Ten Strikes, offers a timely and inspiring new book, Organizing America, that illuminates the power of collective action throughout U.S.history. Published in 2025, the book presents twenty biographical sketches of pivotal organizers, demonstrating how social change has been achieved in even the darkest of times. Organizing America isn’t just a ancient account; it’s a practical guide and a source of hope for those seeking to build a more just future.
A History Through the Lens of Organizing
Loomis’s work distinguishes itself by focusing not on famous leaders, but on the often-unsung heroes who built movements from the ground up. The book takes a chronological approach, showcasing a diverse range of activists across various movements, time periods, races, and genders. This broad scope reveals the interconnectedness of social justice struggles and highlights the enduring strategies of effective organizing.
The book profiles figures like:
* Benjamin Lay: A 17th-century Quaker abolitionist known for his radical protests against slavery. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Lay
* Ida B. Wells: A journalist and anti-lynching activist who courageously documented the horrors of racial violence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ida-B-wells
* Eugene V. Debs: A socialist leader and labour organizer who ran for president multiple times on a platform of workers’ rights. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eugene-V-Debs
* Elizabeth Gurley Flynn: A prominent labor leader and communist organizer who fought for the rights of workers, especially women. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Elizabeth-Gurley-Flynn
* Bob moses: A key figure in the Civil Rights Movement, known for his work registering Black voters in Mississippi.https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/moses-robert-p-bob
* Yuri Kochiyama: A Japanese American activist who dedicated her life to fighting for racial justice and human rights, particularly alongside the Black liberation movement. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yuri-Kochiyama
* Daniel Berrigan: A Catholic priest and peace activist who protested against the Vietnam War and nuclear weapons. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Daniel-Berrigan
* Dolores Huerta: A labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers with Cesar Chavez. https://www.doloreshuerta.org/
* Barbara Gittings: A pioneering lesbian rights activist who fought for the declassification of homosexuality as a mental illness. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Barbara-Gittings
This is just a small sampling of the individuals whose stories Loomis brings to life.
What is organizing and Why Does it Matter?
Organizing America doesn’t simply present a series of biographies. Loomis begins with a clear clarification of what organizing is – the process of building power through collective action – and how it differs from other forms of activism. He emphasizes the importance of identifying shared interests, building relationships, and developing strategies to achieve concrete goals.
The book also addresses the relevance of organizing in the present day and looks ahead to 2025 and beyond. Loomis argues that, despite the challenges of a rapidly changing world, the principles of organizing remain essential for addressing pressing social and economic issues. He provides context for understanding how organizing can be adapted to new technologies and political landscapes.
Key Takeaways
* Organizing is about building power: It’s not just about raising awareness, but about creating the capacity to effect change.
* Diversity of tactics is crucial: Successful movements employ a range of strategies, from direct action to legislative advocacy.
* History provides valuable lessons: Understanding past struggles can inform and inspire current organizing efforts.
* Collective action is essential: Individual efforts are vital, but lasting