Did you know the University of Michigan is home to one of the most complete records of domestic social unrest and grassroots activism? “The Joseph A. Labadie Collection is one of the oldest, largest and most comprehensive collections of its kind, with materials on anarchism, anti-colonialist movements, antiwar and pacifist movements, atheism and free thought, civil liberties and civil rights, ecology, labor and workers’ rights, feminism, LGBTQ movements, prisons and prisoners, the New Left, the Spanish Civil War and youth and student protest.”
The source of this quote is the University Library’s website describing the collection.
Grassroots protests in the U.S. gained widespread momentum during the second half of the 20th century, reflecting public concern over issues ranging from civil rights to workers’ rights to environmental policy and political accountability. Movements, such as labor strikes by auto and healthcare workers, student-led anti-war and climate protests and demonstrations advocating for reproductive rights, highlight the growing influence of organized activism.
In recent months, grassroots protests have intensified across the United States in response to new policies and executive orders issued by the current administration. A significant focal point of these demonstrations has been the initiatives to downsize or eliminate various federal agencies. These actions have sparked widespread concern, particularly regarding potential impacts on domestic programs such as Social Security and Medicare and international assistance programs, such as the Agency for International Development.
These coordinated efforts highlight the evolving landscape of grassroots activism in America, demonstrating a continued commitment to influencing policy and advocating for change through collective action, whether in the streets, online or at the ballot box. As the political landscape continues to shift, grassroots activism remains a powerful force in American democracy.
To learn more about the Labadie Collection, visit: