Friday, July 20, 2012

Social Justice Hall of Fame

I really like what Peter Dreier has done with his new book The 100 Greatest Americans of the 20th Century: A Social Justice Hall of Fame.

Dreier has written a history of 20th century radical and progressive leaders in the USA and movements that changed history. The book comprises short articles on each person. A number of the profiles can be read here.

One of my heroes Paul Robeson was among the 100 named. Other key figures included in Dreier's book include: 

 C.Wright Mills

Bob Dylan

Muhammad Ali

Woody Guthrie

David Brower (environmentalist)

As someone who worked for the Family Planning Association here in WA I was interested in this piece on Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood,  a pioneering organization for sexual and reproductive health rights.. The Family Planning Associations in Australia were modeled on the Planned Parenthood Foundation.

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