Why protest? Recent killings resonate powerfully with black Memphians
Aram Goudsouzian
Aram Goudsouzian is the Bizot Family Professor of History at the University of Memphis and author of numerous books on race, politics and culture. He serves on the Board of Directors at the National Civil Rights Museum.
Charles McKinney
Charles McKinney is the Neville Frierson Bryan Chair of Africana Studies and an associate professor of history at Rhodes College. He is the author of “Greater Freedom: The Evolution of the Civil Rights Struggle in Wilson, North Carolina.”
Critics point out that these tragedies occurred outside of Memphis. They also complain that activists should focus on issues such as joblessness, educational deficits and crime. But in times of crisis, public protest is essential.
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