Freedom in the Family Themes

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The grassroots origin of the Civil Rights movement

Many people know about Martin Luther King, Jr., but this novel is about what happened beforehand to ready American for a true Civil Rights movement. Throughout the early 60's, organized rallies began as demonstrations against racism, against segregation, and against racial prejudice. The book explains how everyday average citizens made a movement that Martin Luther King, Jr. was able to take to a whole new level—but only because the communities were already working together.

The value of shared perspectives

When Patricia Stephens Due examines the South in the 1960's, she notices a movement erupting from a common crisis. As American history trudged along after slavery, the racism was kept alive and well, as was obvious from the second-class amenities for "Colored People" during segregation. An entire culture encountered the same systematic injustices, and when enough people felt the same way, then a social movement erupted almost of its own accord, as if it happened naturally. This shows the value of sharing one's suffering in a community that understands.

The value of community and love

Without love and community, there is no doubt that the story here could have ended badly. In many cases, that has been the case. But, here we see that social progress can be attained without violence revolution. Through community and love, people can have the communal support that it takes to become brave, and then, violence is not necessary. Martin Luther King, Jr. had much to do with the non-violence of the Civil Rights movement, of course, but the grassroots movement was already shaped by community and acceptance.

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