Protest History of the United States: Why It Matters

🎧 Listen now as Protest History of the United States is explored in this powerful and eye-opening audio interview on how protest  shapes democracy and why speaking up still matters.     ✨ Listen Here

In this inspiring and educational conversation, Betsy Wurzel welcomes Professor Gloria J. Browne-Marshall to discuss her newly released book, Protest History of the United States. This powerful discussion of Protest History of the United States examines how protest has shaped American democracy from its earliest beginnings to today, and why civic engagement continues to matter.

During this compelling interview, Professor Browne-Marshall explains that even the United States Constitution itself was born out of protest against England. From the very foundation of this country, protest has been intertwined with the pursuit of justice, representation, and freedom.

Professor Browne-Marshall thoughtfully discusses the many forms protest can take. Protest does not always mean marching in the streets. It can include voting, organizing, labor strikes, legal action, creative expression, education, and even surviving and thriving despite unjust circumstances.

Professor Browne-Marshall shares her own childhood experience of protesting and reflects on her family’s history of civic engagement. She reminds listeners that simply enduring and succeeding despite systemic barriers can itself be a powerful act of protest.

The conversation explores major movements throughout history, including Indigenous resistance, slave uprisings, civil rights activism, labor protests, nurses’ strikes, voting rights movements, Vietnam War demonstrations, and present-day protests occurring in Minnesota. While protest can lead to legislative and social change, she emphasizes that change often takes time, persistence, and collective effort.

Professor Browne-Marshall also offers important safety advice. She cautions against protesting at night due to increased risk and warns about the possibility of infiltrators who may attempt to create chaos or undermine peaceful efforts.

Listeners will also hear about her national book tour and how they can attend events to meet her in person.

For those looking to get involved locally, she recommends visiting 🌐 Indivisible.org 🌐 to learn about organized civic action opportunities in their communities.

About Professor Gloria J. Browne-Marshall

Professor Gloria J. Browne-Marshall is a tenured Full Professor of Constitutional Law at John Jay College of Criminal Justice at CUNY. She is an Emmy Award–winning writer for the animated series “Your Democracy,” a playwright, legal commentator, essayist, American civil rights attorney, podcast host of “Law of the Land” on WHYY, and the author of seven books, including A Protest History of the United States.

You can purchase “Protest History of the United States” that is  available through Beacon Press and on Amazon.

You can learn more about her work, book tour dates, and writings at:
https://www.browne-marshall23.com/works.htm

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/gbrownemarshall

⚖️ Why It Matters

Understanding the Protest History of the United States reminds us that rights were not simply given — they were demanded, defended, and protected through courageous action. The Protest History of the United States shows that meaningful change often requires persistence, organization, and the willingness to speak up. Democracy depends on informed citizens who understand both their rights and their responsibilities.

💬 What Do You Think?

How do you view protest today? Have you ever taken part in civic action in your community? Share your thoughts and experiences — your voice matters.

In Betsy’s opinion, she was deeply inspired by her conversation with Professor Browne-Marshall. The discussion reinforces that caregivers, families, and everyday citizens also have the power to protest by speaking up when they witness injustice. Silence allows injustice to continue. Change begins when someone chooses to speak.

If we do not speak up, there will not be any change.

🎧🔉 Listen Here