When We Fight, We Win: Twenty-First-Century Social Movements and the Activists That Are Transforming Our World

by Greg Jobin-Leeds, Dey Hernandez-Vazquez

Real stories of hard-fought battles for social change, told by those on the front lines—with clear lessons and tips for activists on gaining power from the ground up

“As protests and demonstrations sprout across the land, young organizers and activists need to know why and how movements are sustained and how they grow. That resource has arrived.” —Mumia Abu-Jamal, author and activist

In this visually rich and deeply inspiring book, the leaders of some of the most successful movements of the past decade—from the legalization of same-sex marriage to the Black Lives Matter movement—distill their wisdom, sharing lessons of what makes transformative social change possible. Longtime social activist Greg Jobin-Leeds joins forces with AgitArte, a collective of artists and organizers, to capture the stories, philosophy, tactics, and art of today’s leading social movements. When We Fight, We Win! weaves together interviews with today’s most successful activists and artists from across the country and beyond—including Patrisse Cullors, Bill McKibben, Clayton Thomas-Muller, Karen Lewis, Favianna Rodriguez, Rea Carey, and Gaby Pacheco, among others—with narrative recountings of their inspiring strategies and campaigns alongside full-color photos. It includes a foreword by Rinku Sen and an afterword by Antonia Darder. The recent nationwide explosion of protests has shown the power the people have when we join together with a common goal and compelling message. When We Fight, We Win! will give a whole generation of readers the road map to building resilient movements that can achieve real social justice.

Genres: Nonfiction, Activism, Politics, Social Justice, History, Social Issues, Teaching

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 5, 2016

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is for those who think protesting doesn't solve anything. While none of the issues the book talks about are resolved, the activists show that persistence can bring about progress. There may be wins and losses, but the very least activism does is foster dialogue. Some may disagree, but others may be inspired to fight for their rights. In these uncertain times, this book can provide some inspiration and motivation for who are most affected.

[Andy Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

“When We Fight, We Win: Twenty-First-Century Social Movements and the Activists That Are Transforming Our World” by Greg Jobin-Leeds, Dey Hernandez-Vazquez

Powerful stories!

“See with fresh vision laying bare the full absurdities of treasured hypocrisies.”

“Artists are here to disturb the peace.”

[Adam Carrico · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn’t a huge fan of the writing in this book. It felt like often chapters would spend large portions setting out stats and stories about why certain issues mattered when presumably anyone who bought the book already agrees on a final goal. I wanted to learn more about actual tactics, which was presented, but how those tactics led to success. I honestly just think I went in looking for one thing and the book was presented differently; other people might be more into than I was.

Easily the best part is the art. That’s the saving grace on this book. Really amazing stuff throughout.

[Nikki Morse · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's so rare that we tell social movement stories - the victories, the people, the analysis. This book does that about key social movements in the past decade, weaving personal stories with movement trajectories with critique and reflection. And, with art, which is perhaps its most significant contribution. It places art at the center of social change as a way to express our resilience, anger, and desire for a new world.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers a really insightful overview of how many grassroots reform movements have been successful. It features stories and artwork from a variety of groups and powerfully demonstrates how they can be used to create change. It is a somewhat repetitive but nevertheless inspiring and worthwhile read.

[bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives a short introduction to: lgbtq, public education, mass incarceration, undocumented immigrant, economic power, and environmental justice movements in the US. it wasn’t like revelatory or transformation, but did introduce me to activists & groups i didn’t know about in these areas. it was a good, easy read with beautiful artwork (and accompanying text to contextualize the art).

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating collection of stories about activists and the nature/needs of fighting for both specific causes and a general cause of justice for everyone. The art and interviews added a lot to the overall aesthetic of the book.

[Gerardo Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book is wicked, I love the mixing of art and history. AgitArte is dope and GJL tells these stories powerfully. The early 21st century had some incredible movements that have evolved into our work today.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing was a bit...lackluster but the stories were powerful.

[Robert S · Rating 2 out of 5]

When We Fight, We Win discusses several of the most important movements in our society today. There is some great stories and art here.

However, I found the writing to be extremely okay.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good in theory, but I just wasn't a huge fan of the writing. The artwork is beautiful, and I appreciate the intersectionality of each movement that was mentioned. And it does give me hope for change.

[Cassandra Rockwood Ghanem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps one of my favorite sentiments in, “When We Fight We Win,” is the power of the dandelion, a beautiful example of art-based healing efforts to inspire inmates, as well as the general public, whilst also striking debates in the political sectors responsible for decision making around incarceration. The fact that people are establishing and organizing movements, writing books, and teaching students about these issues at large universities is reassuring. This book is full of info about trailblazing organizers who have made great strides. If you are interested in how creativity can restore the individual and the community, rather than oppressing them, this is a good place to start. I love the poster that says, "I don't watch my neighbors, I see them. We make our community safer together."

[Paige]

The reason I didn't finish this one isn't a reflection on the book, it's just that I couldn't renew it. In truth, I found a lot of the writing to be lackluster, but it's made up for it by the inspiring stories and the art. I also realize that's it's hard to tell a coherent story of a whole social movement in 23 pages (and actually fewer, because of the art). Of course you're going to have to cut and condense.

[Mills College Library]

303.48409 J628 2016

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refreshing look at social activism - giving a grounding history of movements that effect us today

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Q

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top notch resource about activism and current social movements. I learned so much and I only browsed it. This was instrumental in planning my Peacemakers summer camp; it was really fun to research many of these activists and find videos and websites of their work online. Great layout, great art, great organization of topics and issues and activists. Radically inclusive awesomeness. An important addition for collections that serve tweens and young adults.

[Rrrattle]

The reason I didn't finish this one isn't a reflection on the book, it's just that I couldn't renew it. In truth, I found a lot of the writing to be lackluster, but it's made up for it by the inspiring stories and the art. I also realize that's it's hard to tell a coherent story of a whole social movement in 23 pages (and actually fewer, because of the art). Of course you're going to have to cut and condense.