Exploring America’s Second Civil Rights Movement with Juan Williams

Thank you to the dedicated viewers of Fox News.

Well, perhaps I should express my gratitude to some of them specifically.

As we approach the end of Black History Month, my journey across America has taken me from Seattle to St. Louis and from Chicago to Philadelphia. During this time, I have been actively promoting my new book, New Prize for These Eyes – The Rise of America’s Second Civil Rights Movement.

I feel humbled by the massive turnout of Fox News viewers who engage in meaningful discussions about race in America. Many attendees express their appreciation while discussing politics, taking selfies, and requesting autographed copies of my book.

Over the years, these viewers have shared with me their perspectives, noting that they have been watching me, a Black Democrat, on Fox News for nearly thirty years.

It has been insightful to witness largely white, Donald Trump-supporting Fox followers line up to voice their concerns regarding the future of race relations in our country.

Tracing the Evolution of Civil Rights

The central theme of my new book centers on the historical trajectory of civil rights in America. If we define the first civil rights movement by the phrase We Shall Overcome, then the second civil rights movement resonates with a different declaration: Black Lives Matter.

The contemporary second civil rights movement vitalizes national conversations surrounding race.

Is a person’s race a valid consideration in college admissions and hiring practices? Furthermore, how should we educate our children about America’s complex racial history? Also, what is the appropriate approach to addressing race in movies, sports, and media?

Open Dialogues on Race

Individuals from various ideological backgrounds, including conservatives, moderates, and liberals, are eager to discuss race relations. They feel frustrated by a lack of genuine dialogue as substantial discussions give way to empty rhetoric like Identity Politics and Systemic Racism.

People from all walks of life are motivated to engage because acknowledging that America is a diverse melting pot is inevitable. Additionally, as we move toward a more racially diverse future, honest conversations about race become increasingly crucial.

Challenges of Communication

However, navigating honest discussions about race amid the prominence of Black Lives Matter encounters significant challenges, largely due to the controversial slogan Defund the Police.

This phrase emerged as a rallying cry for a select group of activists but never reached mainstream support. In fact, it struggled to gain backing even among elected Democrats.

Critics of BLM cleverly used these three words to undermine discussions over race relations, alleging that everything associated with BLM aligned with those advocating for defunding police departments.

In reality, following the murder of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, BLM initially gained widespread support among most white Americans. The protests, involving 26 million participants, marked the largest demonstration of any kind in American history.

Statistics and Demographics of the Movement

According to my findings, white Americans comprised the largest share of participants in these protests, at 46 percent. This figure surpasses the 39 percent that represented Latino and Black marchers combined. It’s crucial to note that the Latino community constituted the second-largest racial group participating in these demonstrations.

The image of racially diverse individuals uniting in the name of justice was powerful. In comparison, even the historic 1963 March on Washington led by Dr. Martin Luther King brought together approximately 250,000 people, predominantly Black.

It’s also essential to remind the public that the phrase Black Lives Matter penetrated the national conversation several years prior to George Floyd’s tragic murder, first being noted after the acquittal of the individual responsible for killing the Black teenager Trayvon Martin.

The Quest for Unity and Transparency

Despite the broad outpouring of support following Floyd’s death, BLM faced significant challenges due to its lack of a coherent leadership structure and a clear set of demands for achieving a racially just society. Different chapters across the nation functioned independently, often with conflicting agendas.

Moreover, some prominent BLM organizations found themselves embroiled in controversies regarding financial accountability. Allegations of mismanagement and misuse of charitable donations emerged, with concerns over transparency in handling funds.

Substantial sums contributed to the cause of racial justice appeared unaccounted for, leading to questions regarding extravagant consulting fees, personal luxuries, and affiliations with family and friends. Additionally, the burden fostered by the push to defund the police weighed heavily on the movement’s progress.

Perception vs. Reality

Critics of BLM seized upon instances of financial misconduct, violence, and inflammatory slogans. However, independent analyses indicate that over 90 percent of protests remained peaceful, regardless of portrayals by some media outlets, particularly conservative platforms. Strikingly, polls revealed a third of Republicans showed support for these peaceful protests.

I suspect many of those supporting peaceful marches are among the wonderful individuals I’ve encountered during my book tour.

These Trump supporters openly express their desire to hear my insights on race relations, contrasting markedly with the negativity found in online discussions, where individuals often hide behind anonymity.

The real world diverges significantly from the toxicity of the internet.

As former First Lady Michelle Obama wisely states, drawing closer fosters understanding; she often emphasizes, It’s harder to hate up close.

A Call for Continued Engagement

Thank you once again to the Fox viewers who are willing to engage with these pressing issues. Your openness to dialogue fuels essential conversations about race in America.

Juan Williams’ latest book is New Prize for These Eyes: The Rise of America’s Second Civil Rights Movement (Simon and Schuster, January 14, 2025).