Unfinished Agenda: Urban Politics in the Era of Black Power [Paperback]

Unfinished Agendaoffers an inside look at the Black Power Movement that emerged during the Civil Rights Movement of the sixties. A political memoir that teaches grass-roots politics and inspires organizing for real change in the Age of Obama, this book will appeal to readers of black history, Occupy Wall Street organizers, and armchair political advocates.

Based on notes, interviews, and articles from the 1950s to present day, Junius Williams's inspiring memoir describes his journey from young black boy facing prejudice in the 1950s segregated South to his climb to community and political power as a black lawyer in the 1970s and 80s in Newark, New Jersey. Accompanied by twenty-two compelling photographs highlighting key life events,Unfinished Agendachronicles the turbulent times during the Civil Rights Movement and Williams's participation every step of the way including his experiences on the front lines of racial riots in Newark and the historic riot in Montgomery, Alabama with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Williams speaks of his many opportunities and experiences--beginning with his education at Amherst College and Yale Law School, his travel to Uganda and Kenya, and working in Harlem. His passion for fighting racism ultimately led him to many years of service in politics in Newark, New Jersey as a community organizer and leader. Williams advocates for renewed community organizing and voting for a progressive party to carry out the Unfinished Agenda the Black Power Movement outlined in America during the 60s and early 70s for empowerment of the people. Junius Williams’s memoir provoked a full range of emotions locked in my private vault of memories. His personal journey should be required reading for people who care about their communities and have either a sense of hopelessness or a burning desire to bring about positive change where they live.”
—Dennis W. Archer, mayor of Detroit (1994–2001) and president ofls!