Negroes with Guns

I would recommend this volume for the two essays that preface Robert Williams’s story, even if his forthright and compelling account were not so searingly spot on. “The first witness to speak always seems correct, until another shall question him,” says Proverbs, and the old book was never more right. Sensible whites will find this account difficult to read, but the sources of our discomfort we should not fear to illuminate, on race most especially, of all issues. The African Diaspora in these United States will (again, today) be appalled and saddened at how very far they have not come; Williams is worth their discomfort, too.

A book every black man who wants to understand the second amendment and how it relates to black people should read. Its a quick read and gives a powerful perspective on the civil rights movement that isn't told at all. Not everyone was holding hands and singing we shall overcome, some black men and women had rifles and defended themselves valiantly during such evil and trying times.

This in depth rendition of the Robert F. Williams saga supplemented the little "Radio Free Dixie" book that was written in the 1960s by Williams. Negroes With Guns is a much more complete story, which covers the broader context and finishes Williams' story through his exile to Mao's China, his return to the US and his ultimate death. I have been involved in most progressive movements since the Vietnam War, and had mentors from the early non-violent Civil Rights movement, but I was unaware of both the extent and the success of the armed black resistance movement that was contemporary with the better publicized SCLC/SNCC movement of MLK et al. Highly recommended.

Truly eye-opening book on a American historical event that took place that is not mainstream information. It reconciles the tension between passive non-violent self defense when possible with violent self defense when necessary. This should be a requirement for all high school history students (especially African American students) to see a viewpoint that could reveal both historical perspectives of the Civil Rights struggle of both active and passive defense.

Written in a time when the struggle for equality at home flew in the face of our nation's claim to have a mandate for freeing the oppressed in other parts of the world, but not at home. Still engaging in light of the murder of John Crawford III by Beavercreek cop Sean Williams in a Wal-Mart in 2014

The author, Robert F. Williams, was like any other African American man of his generation and time period. He had just returned home to Monroe, North Carolina from serving in the United States Military only to fight a war on the homefront. I was assigned to read this book for my 20th Century American History class in college and it's a crucial part of a non-fiction account in explaining how life was in the South during the Jim Crow laws and segregration in the 1950s until the Civil Rights movement was in full force. The author writes from his point of view in a convincing and persuasive style in order to help defend his right and others to bear arms in the South and the NRA did support his right. In his home town of Monroe, North Carolina, African Americans were subjected to horrors of abuse and their perpetrators (almost always Caucasian) would get away from law enforcement. Williams writes that he doesn't support violence with violence. No, he argues that for African Americans in his community, the right to bear arms and defend themselves is necessary since law enforcement, government agencies, and even the Monroe Police Department failed to defend their citizens based on race. The stories here are true and horrifying about injustice to African Americans during this period. This book should be mandatory reading for everybody in the United States with regards to studying civil rights.

Good documentation of history on a subject of great controversy at this time.

Robert F. Williams uniquely provides a reason why blacks must keep their options open when fighting for equality. If the stand is only nonviolence, the racist will beat you and, in many cases, kill protesters. If a stance is only violence, then there is no way to meet a middle ground. However, if violence and nonviolence are kept on the table, blacks can oscillate between the two schools of thought to get results.

This book is one of several that refute the notion that our nation's tradition of firearms is solely the province of the white man. Black people in this country used guns, enjoyed guns, and all too often needed guns for self-defense, especially in situations where law enforcement was in cahoots with local racist elements. I recommend it to one and all.

I am a fan of 2A history. This book tells a story that is seldom told. Firearms are portrayed as tools of oppression and violence. There is a very strong tradition of Blacks owning and using firearms for sport and self defense. Think of the iconic photo of Malcolm X sitting by the window with an M1 Carbine to repel a possible threat to himself and/or his family. I wish politicians and self appointed 'community leaders' that use firearms as a scapegoat for other problems in the Black community would read this book. I wish people that use terms like 'Saturday Night Specia;' knew the true meaning of these terms and the racist intent. I wish they knew the real origins and purposes of gun control. These people should then understand that firearms ownership is not just a 'white thing' it is an AMERICAN thing and a basic civil right of ALL CITIZENS no matter what race. Irony-- those people living in high crime areas who don't understand 'stand your ground' laws and the 'castle doctrine'and want to repeal these protections are the very people who would most benefit from them. Know your history so that you will remain a free citizen, not a slave or a subject.

I would recommend this volume for the two essays that preface Robert Williams’s story, even if his forthright and compelling account were not so searingly spot on. “The first witness to speak always seems correct, until another shall question him,” says Proverbs, and the old book was never more right. Sensible whites will find this account difficult to read, but the sources of our discomfort we should not fear to illuminate, on race most especially, of all issues. The African Diaspora in these United States will (again, today) be appalled and saddened at how very far they have not come; Williams is worth their discomfort, too.

A book every black man who wants to understand the second amendment and how it relates to black people should read. Its a quick read and gives a powerful perspective on the civil rights movement that isn't told at all. Not everyone was holding hands and singing we shall overcome, some black men and women had rifles and defended themselves valiantly during such evil and trying times.

This in depth rendition of the Robert F. Williams saga supplemented the little "Radio Free Dixie" book that was written in the 1960s by Williams. Negroes With Guns is a much more complete story, which covers the broader context and finishes Williams' story through his exile to Mao's China, his return to the US and his ultimate death. I have been involved in most progressive movements since the Vietnam War, and had mentors from the early non-violent Civil Rights movement, but I was unaware of both the extent and the success of the armed black resistance movement that was contemporary with the better publicized SCLC/SNCC movement of MLK et al. Highly recommended.

Truly eye-opening book on a American historical event that took place that is not mainstream information. It reconciles the tension between passive non-violent self defense when possible with violent self defense when necessary. This should be a requirement for all high school history students (especially African American students) to see a viewpoint that could reveal both historical perspectives of the Civil Rights struggle of both active and passive defense.

Written in a time when the struggle for equality at home flew in the face of our nation's claim to have a mandate for freeing the oppressed in other parts of the world, but not at home. Still engaging in light of the murder of John Crawford III by Beavercreek cop Sean Williams in a Wal-Mart in 2014

The author, Robert F. Williams, was like any other African American man of his generation and time period. He had just returned home to Monroe, North Carolina from serving in the United States Military only to fight a war on the homefront. I was assigned to read this book for my 20th Century American History class in college and it's a crucial part of a non-fiction account in explaining how life was in the South during the Jim Crow laws and segregration in the 1950s until the Civil Rights movement was in full force. The author writes from his point of view in a convincing and persuasive style in order to help defend his right and others to bear arms in the South and the NRA did support his right. In his home town of Monroe, North Carolina, African Americans were subjected to horrors of abuse and their perpetrators (almost always Caucasian) would get away from law enforcement. Williams writes that he doesn't support violence with violence. No, he argues that for African Americans in his community, the right to bear arms and defend themselves is necessary since law enforcement, government agencies, and even the Monroe Police Department failed to defend their citizens based on race. The stories here are true and horrifying about injustice to African Americans during this period. This book should be mandatory reading for everybody in the United States with regards to studying civil rights.

Good documentation of history on a subject of great controversy at this time.

Robert F. Williams uniquely provides a reason why blacks must keep their options open when fighting for equality. If the stand is only nonviolence, the racist will beat you and, in many cases, kill protesters. If a stance is only violence, then there is no way to meet a middle ground. However, if violence and nonviolence are kept on the table, blacks can oscillate between the two schools of thought to get results.

This book is one of several that refute the notion that our nation's tradition of firearms is solely the province of the white man. Black people in this country used guns, enjoyed guns, and all too often needed guns for self-defense, especially in situations where law enforcement was in cahoots with local racist elements. I recommend it to one and all.

I am a fan of 2A history. This book tells a story that is seldom told. Firearms are portrayed as tools of oppression and violence. There is a very strong tradition of Blacks owning and using firearms for sport and self defense. Think of the iconic photo of Malcolm X sitting by the window with an M1 Carbine to repel a possible threat to himself and/or his family. I wish politicians and self appointed 'community leaders' that use firearms as a scapegoat for other problems in the Black community would read this book. I wish people that use terms like 'Saturday Night Specia;' knew the true meaning of these terms and the racist intent. I wish they knew the real origins and purposes of gun control. These people should then understand that firearms ownership is not just a 'white thing' it is an AMERICAN thing and a basic civil right of ALL CITIZENS no matter what race. Irony-- those people living in high crime areas who don't understand 'stand your ground' laws and the 'castle doctrine'and want to repeal these protections are the very people who would most benefit from them. Know your history so that you will remain a free citizen, not a slave or a subject.

Good for book to read I think it needs more information and in to how to over come some thing

I would highly recommend this reading which includes information not shared in relation to the time era dealing of MLK Jr.

This book should be required for anyone with any interest in modern American History, history of American Culture and Race Relations, or anyone who has any desire to study or get involved in politics. It turns the standard political wisdom of "Democrat vs Republican" and "Conservative vs Liberal" on its head and takes a hard view of the life and death struggles of African Americans on the front lines of the struggle for racial equality. This book also shows how well meaning and arrogant political officials and community organizers from all sides of the political spectrum turned their backs on the African American community of Monroe, NC, what that felt like, and highlights the few populist organizations that stood with this community and with the author. The sides different organizations and politicians took in this life or death struggle is surprising and insightful.

Notice how quiet they are when people of color are arrested for gun laws.

Recounts a slice of history seldom heard. It's a slim book that quickly sets its premise and offers supporting evidence via the lived experience of its author. A thought provoking counterpoint\compliment to civil disobedience and pacifism.

This book was enlightening on the experiences of the more “radical” approach of the civil rights movement. To sum the book up. A man should be able to protect family and himself and it is degrading to not be able to.

Robert F. Williams shared the story of how people in his small town stood up against injustice and terrorism in the U.S. which was supported by government agencies and enacted by the KKK. His perspective highlights how some situations may necessitate engaging in self-defense versus turning the other cheek- that when faced with the threat of harm, people should have more options than that of simply being non-violent. Indeed, with some people, such as bullies, abusers, and war-mongers, respect is given when respect is earned. A great read, I highly recommend Negroes with Guns.

I found this book reinforced the growing discontent with nonviolence as the only response to violent oppression in the Black community. Also showed the commonality of the fight. Found the title misleading and not appropriate.

This book is very informative. It shows that some of the fuckery that went on back then still goes on today (communist/Russians get credit for ideas that black revolutionary started)

This book was very insightful and educational. It highlights events and mindsets that have been overlooked for decades. These same mindsets are paralleled with today’s events and activities that have Americans on guard.

I enjoyed reading this. Its information every Black person needs to know.

enjoy learning more about black history and culture in early america. this book not only tells incredible storys of black bravery. it also tells how those stories tie into American history and specifically firearms restrictions in America and how those earliest restrictions were all based on race.

This book was very easy to read and very informative regarding the Afro-American injustice.

I lived through this. I know the people.

I'm going to get this book 5 stars this is my cousin on my grandmother first cousin my mother was born in Monroe North Carolina

I loved this book as it gave another side of the Civil Rights struggle and showed that not all were simply willing to "turn the other cheek"

A very good read, and critical in understanding the place violence has in peaceful protest. Those in power will never take you seriously if you're incapable of being a threat, and you should not have to become a martyr to make your cause heard.

This is a book for all as a educational guide to understand how it was an is.

Freedom and revolution demand action. This book shows the dirty truth of that.

Negroes with guns provides a true picture of what is like to be black in the south and describes the manner in which protest should be managed. This is a great book.

For every non-violent/pacifist black America & white allies! Self defense is not violence. Only takes a few hours to read, so read it 😉

It is a very interesting story that was never really told in the Black Community. I would recommend. It should be in our history classes.

The year 2020 still shows that some hearts of men have not awaken to the HUMANITY of all people and we must continue this fight for HUMANITY by any means necessary.

This book gave a great in-depth view of the opposite side of the nonviolent movement. It showed a very vivid price that many had to pay for civil rights.

I loved this book so much that I started buyin it for my friends. This book isn't just about history.....it's relevant! Good read!

Super value

Only 80 pages of his actual writing. Very quick, interesting read with transparency.

Easy transaction and very interesting material.

Great Reading. Once you start it, its hard to put down. Robert Williams is no longer with us but He Leaves behind a Great Legacy. No matter your Race, Creed, or Color, This a must Read.

Part of a collection. Arrived in good condition. Price was good.

An absolutely indispensable work for any student of race. A formidable and coherent challenge to the unquestioned narratives of King's ideology of pacifistic resistance. The introduction by Truman Nelson alone is worth the price of admission. A short read--do NOT pass this one up.

Informational

Great read everyone and book came in perfect condition

Great read, insight. Powerful book. Heroic and heartbreaking. Hidden history.

Great book by a truly balanced leader

Great read; concise and informative

Great book

Stay armed, Stay ready.

Very good read.

great reprint at affordable price

Excellent Book

Stories like this one are never talked about when discussing the civil rights era. Strong black men who didn't advocate violence but were willing to pick up the gun and defend their women, children and community

Excellent!

Loved it

Thanks

I received the book right on time and the quality was almost perfect for a used book. I needed this for class and it was worth its price.

Amazing work!

good read

Great Item

Although a short book it is packed with insightful information about Mr. Williams and the struggles in Monroe North Carolina.

Great! Thanks!

great

Item is as it was described, thanks.

Great book!!!

Excellent book. Tells a true story of the armed self-defense struggle in Monroe, NC

I don't know how this book got past me all these years

Robert F. Williams should be an inspiration to all second amendment loving Americans. He used armed self defense to chase the klan out of town. Anybody who thinks the bill of rights is outdated ought to try living in a country that does not have one.

Good history lesson from the man that was there! Not politically correct! The NRA helped these men defend themselves against the "law" when the NAACP would not! Good lesson about what happens when people ( police, politicians, governments) are corrupt and how you will need to fight to defend yourself. If you give up your guns, you are at the mercy of someone else. As the saying goes, " im too old to take an ass whopping and young to die"!

Mr. William's account of what he and BLACK folk in and around Monroe, NC were faced with is very instructional. Mr. Williams, a marine veteran of the Korean police action and a very religious man, was clear as to exerting his and other BLACK people's human rights; to live unincumbered from the racist and murderous white people's crazy rule. Mr. William's tried many times to work within the white people's version of democracy and law enforcement, and each time was lied to. It is interesting to note that the white people always wanted Mr. William's and the other BLACK men of Monroe to disarm, but the white people would not. And the NAACP's caving under pressure and suspending Mr. Williams is further instructional as to how the "willie lynch syndrome" can infect a people's movement to realizing their human rights. For those who are looking for strategies in what it takes to stand-up for your human rights, this book is another map that can be relied upon for BLACK people's freedom, justice and equality.

Great book. Easy read, well edited. A strong sense of conviction with emotion. Really an amazing story. This book had a big influence on Huey Newton and you can see that he incorporated many of Robert F. Williams' ideas into the Black Panthers.

I enjoyed it. Short book about the turbulent 60's civil rights era. Williams was a contemporary of MLK with a different view on methods.

Robert F Williams was maybe 7 years before his time. This man was absolutely brilliant. I really wish I could get a hold of Radio Free Dixie recordings.