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Forward Together: A Moral Message for the Nation
North Carolina's Moral Monday protests have drawn tens of thousands of protestors in what has been called the new Civil Rights Movement. Forward A Moral Message for the Nation shares the theological foundation for the Moral Monday movement, serving as a proclamation of a new American movement seeking equal treatment and opportunity for all regardless of economic status, sexual preference, belief, race, geography, and any other discriminatory bases. The book will also serve as a model for other movements across the country and around the world using North Carolina as a case study, providing useful, practical tips about grassroots organizing and transformative leadership.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2014
31 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
William J. Barber II
17 books111 followersWilliam J. Barber II is an American Protestant minister and political activist. He is a member of the national board of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the chair of its Legislative Political Action Committee. Since 2006 he has been president of the NAACP's North Carolina state chapter, the largest in the Southern United States and the second-largest in the country.[1] Barber has served as pastor of Greenleaf Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Goldsboro, North Carolina since 1993.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 28, 2014
What is morality? Answers will depend on who gives them. For William Barber, morality has to do with justice. A Disciple pastor and president of the North Carolina branch of the NAACP, William Barber has become best known for his leadership of the Forward Together/Moral Mondays movement.
If you have hard him speak and preach, you will have heard William Barber speak of a Third Reconstruction emerging in America, especially in the South. The first reconstruction took place following the end of the Civil War, when white and black leaders joined together to form what he calls fusion governments that lifted up recently freed slaves into a new position of leadership in the community. That reconstruction gave way to a new era of segregation, exclusion, violence, poverty, and Jim Crow. A Second Reconstruction emerged in 1954 with the Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, overturning "separate but equal laws" and culminating in the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts. But that Reconstruction ended with the murder of Martin Luther King and Richard Nixon's embrace of a southern strategy that turned the Party of Lincoln into the part of retrenchment. Finally, the Moral Mondays movement signals the beginning of a new fusion politics in the south, one that brings together concerns about voting rights, women's rights, labor rights, health care for all, and LGBT rights.
"Forward Together" from Chalice Press brings together the speeches given by Rev. Barber to the Moral Mondays participants, including those who had volunteered to be arrested, before marching to the state capitol building. Beyond the Moral Mondays speeches, Barber and his editor Barbara Zelter, there are several speeches given to the Historic Thousands on Jones Street Rally 8, to Equality NC and the NAACP National Board on the importance of allying the cause of justice with LGBT concerns. He makes it clear that the attempt to create a wedge between African Americans and Gays will not work. There is a speech on the relationship of civil rights and labor rights made to a union convention. Finaly there is an article for Sojourners that summarizes the movement.
As he nears the end of the book, he offers up a summation of the vision:
"Perhaps the only way to conclude this piece is to say we have learned that there is a deep hunger for the recovery of our moral compass, for language in the political debate that is not bound by the restraints of mere left and right, Democrat and Republican; that many people still desire to see the light of justice; and that the prophetic clarion call can also sometimes awaken those who thought they were your enemies to b your friends in the struggle." (p. 164)
While his political orientation puts him in the Democratic camp and his opponents in this primarily come from Tea Party backed politicians including the recently elected Senator from North Carolina, he speaks of this not in partisan terms but moral and human terms.
The message of the book is powerful and inspiring. It is a call to action, and if one wishes to understand the issues and the importance of building a broad coalition, Barber's book will prove inspiring.
If you have hard him speak and preach, you will have heard William Barber speak of a Third Reconstruction emerging in America, especially in the South. The first reconstruction took place following the end of the Civil War, when white and black leaders joined together to form what he calls fusion governments that lifted up recently freed slaves into a new position of leadership in the community. That reconstruction gave way to a new era of segregation, exclusion, violence, poverty, and Jim Crow. A Second Reconstruction emerged in 1954 with the Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, overturning "separate but equal laws" and culminating in the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts. But that Reconstruction ended with the murder of Martin Luther King and Richard Nixon's embrace of a southern strategy that turned the Party of Lincoln into the part of retrenchment. Finally, the Moral Mondays movement signals the beginning of a new fusion politics in the south, one that brings together concerns about voting rights, women's rights, labor rights, health care for all, and LGBT rights.
"Forward Together" from Chalice Press brings together the speeches given by Rev. Barber to the Moral Mondays participants, including those who had volunteered to be arrested, before marching to the state capitol building. Beyond the Moral Mondays speeches, Barber and his editor Barbara Zelter, there are several speeches given to the Historic Thousands on Jones Street Rally 8, to Equality NC and the NAACP National Board on the importance of allying the cause of justice with LGBT concerns. He makes it clear that the attempt to create a wedge between African Americans and Gays will not work. There is a speech on the relationship of civil rights and labor rights made to a union convention. Finaly there is an article for Sojourners that summarizes the movement.
As he nears the end of the book, he offers up a summation of the vision:
"Perhaps the only way to conclude this piece is to say we have learned that there is a deep hunger for the recovery of our moral compass, for language in the political debate that is not bound by the restraints of mere left and right, Democrat and Republican; that many people still desire to see the light of justice; and that the prophetic clarion call can also sometimes awaken those who thought they were your enemies to b your friends in the struggle." (p. 164)
While his political orientation puts him in the Democratic camp and his opponents in this primarily come from Tea Party backed politicians including the recently elected Senator from North Carolina, he speaks of this not in partisan terms but moral and human terms.
The message of the book is powerful and inspiring. It is a call to action, and if one wishes to understand the issues and the importance of building a broad coalition, Barber's book will prove inspiring.
October 30, 2017
Reviewed for THC Reviews
Forward Together was our latest church book club read. I somehow got the impression that the book was more about Rev. Barber discussing how we can move forward in our country, making progress toward social justice and equality for everyone. However, it’s more of an accounting of many of the Moral Monday Marches. If you’re unfamiliar with these marches, they started in North Carolina, where Rev. Barber lives, pastors, and is head of the state NAACP. They were in response to regressive policies that were being instituted by the conservative-dominated state legislature that were waging assaults against the poor and marginalized of the community, as well as infringing upon the voting rights of the people. If you’ve payed any attention to North Carolina politics of the last several years, you’ll know that there have been allegations of a lot of political perfidy, the most prominent of which was the Supreme Court ruling that declared the state had engaged in gerrymandering. So the situation in the state has been ripe for activism and Rev. Barber was one of the leaders heading up these peaceful protests that became knows as the Moral Monday Marches. Thousands of people took part in these marches and just over a thousand were arrested for civil disobedience over the course of the time the marches were taking place.
This book is formatted such that each chapter covers one of the marches, but there are only selected ones included. It begins with brief background information on that particular day’s march, typically one-page or less, in which the reader learns about the focus of that day’s event and a little of what happened. It’s followed by the transcribed text of Rev. Barber’s speech at that day’s rally. I found the content of several of the speeches inspiring and invigorating, and while I’ve never seen or heard him in person, I can tell from his written words that he’s a great orator. However, as other book club members pointed out and with which I agree, having the book formatted in this way did lead to some repetition. Occasionally things are repeated nearly verbatim from one event – and chapter – to another, while in other cases, it’s the general ideas and sentiment that seem to be repetitious, which I suppose is the reason that only certain ones were included in the book. When the marches are protests of the same issues over and over, it’s probably hard to be original every time. In light of that, though, I agreed with our other members in that it might have been a little more interesting if a more detailed history of the events and what took place at them had been included. I wouldn’t have minded reading a more personal narrative of both Rev. Barber and the other protesters, especially those who were arrested.
The strength of the book, however, is IMHO two-fold. First there were a lot of issues presented as reasons for the people coming out in protest including voting rights, women’s rights, LGBT rights, immigrant rights, labor rights, education, health care, unemployment, protections for the poor, and many others. What I liked, though, is that regardless of what the reason was that brought people out, Rev. Barber frames all of the issues as moral issues, calling upon persons of faith to not stand idle in the face of these inequalities. He makes it clear that our faith should inform our actions on behalf of marginalized people of all stripes. Secondly I like that he talks about a Fusion Movement and how historically it has taken people from all walks of life coming together to make a difference. The Moral Monday Marches were just such a movement in which persons of faith banded together with such diverse groups as labor unions, women’s activists, LGBT activists, voting rights advocates, teachers, health care workers, and many others. They may not have agreed on everything but they took to the streets and the halls of the legislature on the combined strength of the topics they did agree on, without letting the things they disagreed on get in the way.
While Forward Together didn’t end up being quite what I expected it to be, it was still a good read. It’s certainly something I would recommend for community activists and organizers, who I’m sure would find great inspiration within its pages. I’m more of a behind-the-scenes kind of person, who prefers to follow rather than lead, but I still found sparks of inspiration in Rev. Barber’s words to the crowds that gathered at these events. I also agreed with the sentiments behind the Moral Monday Movement and admire the people who got out to protest, especially the 92-year-old lady who allowed herself to be arrested. Now there’s a story I’d dearly love to hear more about. In any case, I would recommend this book for anyone interested in progressive concerns or who is looking for a way to put their faith into action.
Forward Together was our latest church book club read. I somehow got the impression that the book was more about Rev. Barber discussing how we can move forward in our country, making progress toward social justice and equality for everyone. However, it’s more of an accounting of many of the Moral Monday Marches. If you’re unfamiliar with these marches, they started in North Carolina, where Rev. Barber lives, pastors, and is head of the state NAACP. They were in response to regressive policies that were being instituted by the conservative-dominated state legislature that were waging assaults against the poor and marginalized of the community, as well as infringing upon the voting rights of the people. If you’ve payed any attention to North Carolina politics of the last several years, you’ll know that there have been allegations of a lot of political perfidy, the most prominent of which was the Supreme Court ruling that declared the state had engaged in gerrymandering. So the situation in the state has been ripe for activism and Rev. Barber was one of the leaders heading up these peaceful protests that became knows as the Moral Monday Marches. Thousands of people took part in these marches and just over a thousand were arrested for civil disobedience over the course of the time the marches were taking place.
This book is formatted such that each chapter covers one of the marches, but there are only selected ones included. It begins with brief background information on that particular day’s march, typically one-page or less, in which the reader learns about the focus of that day’s event and a little of what happened. It’s followed by the transcribed text of Rev. Barber’s speech at that day’s rally. I found the content of several of the speeches inspiring and invigorating, and while I’ve never seen or heard him in person, I can tell from his written words that he’s a great orator. However, as other book club members pointed out and with which I agree, having the book formatted in this way did lead to some repetition. Occasionally things are repeated nearly verbatim from one event – and chapter – to another, while in other cases, it’s the general ideas and sentiment that seem to be repetitious, which I suppose is the reason that only certain ones were included in the book. When the marches are protests of the same issues over and over, it’s probably hard to be original every time. In light of that, though, I agreed with our other members in that it might have been a little more interesting if a more detailed history of the events and what took place at them had been included. I wouldn’t have minded reading a more personal narrative of both Rev. Barber and the other protesters, especially those who were arrested.
The strength of the book, however, is IMHO two-fold. First there were a lot of issues presented as reasons for the people coming out in protest including voting rights, women’s rights, LGBT rights, immigrant rights, labor rights, education, health care, unemployment, protections for the poor, and many others. What I liked, though, is that regardless of what the reason was that brought people out, Rev. Barber frames all of the issues as moral issues, calling upon persons of faith to not stand idle in the face of these inequalities. He makes it clear that our faith should inform our actions on behalf of marginalized people of all stripes. Secondly I like that he talks about a Fusion Movement and how historically it has taken people from all walks of life coming together to make a difference. The Moral Monday Marches were just such a movement in which persons of faith banded together with such diverse groups as labor unions, women’s activists, LGBT activists, voting rights advocates, teachers, health care workers, and many others. They may not have agreed on everything but they took to the streets and the halls of the legislature on the combined strength of the topics they did agree on, without letting the things they disagreed on get in the way.
While Forward Together didn’t end up being quite what I expected it to be, it was still a good read. It’s certainly something I would recommend for community activists and organizers, who I’m sure would find great inspiration within its pages. I’m more of a behind-the-scenes kind of person, who prefers to follow rather than lead, but I still found sparks of inspiration in Rev. Barber’s words to the crowds that gathered at these events. I also agreed with the sentiments behind the Moral Monday Movement and admire the people who got out to protest, especially the 92-year-old lady who allowed herself to be arrested. Now there’s a story I’d dearly love to hear more about. In any case, I would recommend this book for anyone interested in progressive concerns or who is looking for a way to put their faith into action.
November 10, 2025
I had read parts of this book on and off over a few years. I referenced this book in my sermon today. Honestly reading it 12 years after the events took place, it can feel a little depressing at times by how little has changed politically. Fighting for basic rights of education and housing is still so important.
October 21, 2016
While Reverend Dr. Barber is certainly working to build coalitions across creed/race/condition, and I am very impressed, I will admit a bit surprised as well, to see that this includes the LGBTQ community in North Carolina, I was a bit put off by the clear Christian bias (preaching) in his book, which essentially summarises the meetings and marches that have been part of the building of his movement.
I understand and agree that the US is a primarily Judeo-Christian nation in origin, but I find that the level of explicitly Christian citations is far far higher than what Dr. King used, and I personally feel (and perhaps this reflects my own biases) that less of the preaching and more of the reasoning of the type used by Dr. King most often in his speeches might draw in more of our non-Christian brethren (particularly Islamic friends -and much of the Koran does cite or paraphrase the Bible, so it is not very difficult to include Koranic verses as well, given that Rev. Barker seems to go to pains to include both "Old Testament" and NT quotes...).
Overall, I found the last pages in chapter 14 most useful (lessons learned and goals/strategies for linked/related movements).
Toward Human Cooperation,
ShiraDestinie
21 October, 12016 HE
I understand and agree that the US is a primarily Judeo-Christian nation in origin, but I find that the level of explicitly Christian citations is far far higher than what Dr. King used, and I personally feel (and perhaps this reflects my own biases) that less of the preaching and more of the reasoning of the type used by Dr. King most often in his speeches might draw in more of our non-Christian brethren (particularly Islamic friends -and much of the Koran does cite or paraphrase the Bible, so it is not very difficult to include Koranic verses as well, given that Rev. Barker seems to go to pains to include both "Old Testament" and NT quotes...).
Overall, I found the last pages in chapter 14 most useful (lessons learned and goals/strategies for linked/related movements).
Toward Human Cooperation,
ShiraDestinie
21 October, 12016 HE
July 18, 2017
For people who know nothing about William Barber, this book will give a clear overview of what he believes and what he hopes to achieve. For anyone who has followed or been a part of the Moral Monday protests, this book doesn’t offer much that is new. The book gives a glimpse of the changes that occurred after a Republican takeover in NC government. Each topic covers a different issue, while showing that ultimately we are all in this together. However, this book describing the 2013 protests seems out of date. The political climate has changed dramatically since then, and his optimism about the progressive agenda reads very differently in 2017.
June 27, 2017
A look at Barber's work for justice, his coalition in North Carolina, and his Moral Monday actions (2012-2014). Barber discusses the nature of the third reconstruction and his work to bring justice to the realm of racism, poverty and LGBTQ rights. Barber is a prophetic figure, a Disciples of Christ clergy man and a tireless activist. He stands in the tradition of MLK, coordinating with the NAACP and quoting Isaiah.
January 6, 2018
Begin as you mean to go on, I guess: first finish of 2018. This lays out the roots of the Moral Monday organizing & marches - which I was aware of at the time, but didn't have a particularly good sense of detail for. I don't think you can be politically aware at all in NC and not know who the Rev Dr Barber is, but I have a much better sense now, and a great deal of respect for how intersectional the Movement was from the start, and how much earlier it started than people realize.
January 5, 2018
I think the Reverend Dr. William Barber II is right on point with this exposition of social justice inclusive of every marginalized identity in America. The five areas he challenges to change deal with the reality of where the oppressed live in America. This book is an important read for those of us who are left of cultural identities and believe in freedom for all!
March 5, 2023
The amazing story of Moral Mondays from the NAACP in North Carolina. Always moving the needle forward for civil rights and coalitions. Wow. And Bible verses. I read this for Black History month and wow.
December 24, 2018
A must read for all North Carolinians.
October 1, 2020
Another important witness to read, understand, and just into the love and justice of Jesus in the public square.
December 21, 2016
This book was personal to me and I loved every bit of it. I spent a significant amount of time working with Rev. Barber and it was nice to parts of his Forward Together Moral Movement highlighted in print.
April 26, 2017
Very repetitive
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews