There is a lot to take away from Detroit: I Do Mind Dying. The book is a pretty comprehensive narrative detailing the radical black labor movement that emerged in Detroit in response to bureaucratic trade unions, classism, and racism. There is plenty of context and history in this book for you to understand the period: there are stories of racism in the class, state suppression and response, other radical organizations (such as the Panthers), white-ally organizations (such as the White Panthers), and plenty of examples of the counter culture. You'll find reasons for schisms such as domestic campaigns, internationalism, and workplace organization and other schisms on the grounds of electoral-politics and the scope of education with relation to the union. There is plenty of detail about the organizational structure used.
The most fascinating and enjoyable part for me was the posture of the radical union with regards to the bureaucratic trade unions. There is quite a bit of that and the tone of the book is very consistent and anti-trade union. The argument is well laid out and inherent in the narrative.
If you enjoy legal responses to state suppression, the insight on Ken Cockrel, Sr. is of high interest. Inside the book you'll find Cockrel's reflection which is a fantastic read. Cockrel at one point takes the defense of a worker, James Johnson, who shot and killed two foreman and a fellow coworker. Cockrel argued that the company actually incited the mental breakdown that caused the shooting and got Johnson acquitted.
The layout of the book is perfect for a book club. We read it in our local IWW and did a chapter or a little more at a time. We went about this assigning one section within a chapter to a reader every week. This form works very well this book. The entire book was written after the radical labor movement in Detroit died down; and, it includes a ton of first-hand accounts, quotes, and primary sources -- many of which come right from interviews.
All around I have very few complaints about this book. I would have liked more detail about the struggles against sexism in the union, the role of nationalism, and the extent of engagement with electoral politics. All of that said, this is quite easily the best and most educational book I've read from the period about the radical scene anywhere in America.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Frequently bought together
$13.78
Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11
In Stock
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
