Chain of Change: Struggles for Black Community Development

by Mel King

Chain of Change is a history of the black community in Boston from the fifties through the seventies. Mel King shows how black consciousness and power have developed through the struggles around jobs, housing, education, and politics. For the future he proposes a strategy of community controlled economic development and political representation which is relevant to any major city.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Education

336 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1981

Reviews

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Everybody has to see themselves as a politician, not politicians who wield power to satisfy individual greed, but politicians of the people, politicians who realize the interdependence and equality of all people, who realize that the satisfaction of everyone’s needs requires everyone’s empowerment, not the aggrandizement of the few, and patronage crumbs for the rest.”

Really important history of the Black, working-class movements in Boston starting in the 60s—such as the 1963 Stay Out where 20% of Boston students boycotted schools in protest of de-facto segregation, the creation of tenants’ and neighborhood organizations to provide a voice and empower residents to resist displacement, and the development of multiracial unions challenging discrimination in Boston’s construction industry. Importantly, Mel King emphasizes the need for struggle-based politics that treats people as the agents of history rather than passive recipients of services from the state or non-profits (as is often advocated by many of the city officials and urban planning departments in Boston who pay lip service to King’s legacy). As King writes: “Struggle has proven to be one of the most effective means of education; and the acquisition of skills has supported the positive changes in self-image and has contributed to the building of power in the community… We understood that not only are we deserving of services in our own right as members of this society, but we are also capable of serving ourselves on our own terms.”

Mel King’s commitment to internationalism and multinational unity also shine throughout this text, and there are so many lessons on how to develop lasting community organizations. Highly recommend this book for those who want to learn more about Boston’s own history of resistance and struggle, as well as for those who care enough about their community to organize and fight for it, as King did.

[Gemini · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was so interesting to read this book about a local Boston legend. There were so many things he did for the city as an organizer, activist, & community member. The uphill battles he had to endure throughout his life is still something he is doing to this day. It's such an inspiring book learning about the various things he fought for from the busing debacle to the housing crisis, he has fought time & time again for the underprivileged people. All the things he went through fighting racist politicians in city hall & the wrongs that were done to low income people to keep them down is simply horrible. Thankfully there were allies that stuck by him & people he lifted up to help fight the good fight against the oppressor. There are probably more stories he could share but this really does go through various decades & the problems that were faced & how they were dealt with. So yeah every local Bostonian should read this.

[Jenn Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not the first time that I read something off of the Boston 2030 list and wondered at the curation. I am sure this is an important work in Boston's history of race and community development, but with it being written in the early 80s, I constantly wondered what new events and information had developed since then and why they wouldn't have included something more up-to-date on the list. All that to say there wasn't anything WRONG with this book per se, but my personal experience was influenced by the context and my expectations.

[Patrick]

Skimmed through Mel King’s now dated but still perceptive account of Black community organizing and progress in mid twentieth century Boston, heading into the eighties. Gained some new perspectives on some of the old battles I was aware of but not well versed in. So much has changed. Provides a lot of context for why communities are now structurally endowed with authority to veto development.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was hard to read, mostly because there were such great insights and reflections but such minimal societal progress since it was published. Le sigh!

[Moo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a rich history of Boston.

[Shar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thorough, in-depth and insightful.