Introduction
In 1963, a meeting took place that would have far-reaching consequences for American politics and civil rights. This gathering, which brought together Robert F. Kennedy and a group of prominent Black intellectuals and artists, is the focal point of Michael Eric Dyson's book "What Truth Sounds Like." The book explores how this three-hour conversation changed Kennedy's perspective on race relations in America and continues to resonate with contemporary issues of racial justice and equality.
Dyson argues that this meeting was a turning point for Kennedy, opening his eyes to the realities of the Black experience in America and ultimately influencing his approach to civil rights as a senator and presidential candidate. The book draws parallels between this historical event and current debates surrounding race, politics, and social justice, suggesting that the lessons learned from this encounter are still relevant today.
The Kennedy Administration and Civil Rights
When John F. Kennedy became president in 1961, his administration's approach to civil rights was cautious at best. The Kennedys were more focused on securing political support for a second term than on taking bold action to address racial inequality. In fact, some of their early decisions, such as appointing racist federal judges in the South, seemed to prioritize political expediency over moral leadership.
Robert Kennedy, serving as Attorney General, initially shared this hesitant approach. However, the events of 1963 would prove transformative for him, setting the stage for a significant shift in his understanding of and commitment to civil rights.
James Baldwin: A Voice for Change
James Baldwin, the celebrated writer and intellectual, played a crucial role in bringing about the meeting with Robert Kennedy. Baldwin had emerged as a powerful voice in the civil rights movement, his incisive essays and novels offering searing critiques of American racism.
In 1963, Baldwin's face graced the cover of Time magazine, a testament to his growing influence. His book "The Fire Next Time," based on essays published in The New Yorker, had thrust him into the national spotlight as a spokesperson for the Black community. However, Baldwin's sexuality - he was openly gay - sometimes complicated his relationship with other civil rights leaders.
Despite these challenges, Baldwin's eloquence and moral authority made him an ideal figure to bridge the gap between the Kennedy administration and the Black community. When violence erupted against civil rights protesters in Birmingham, Alabama in April 1963, Baldwin sent a scathing telegram to Robert Kennedy, challenging the administration's responsibility for the crisis.
The Pivotal Meeting: May 24, 1963
Following Baldwin's telegram, Robert Kennedy invited him to his home for breakfast. Impressed by their conversation, Kennedy asked Baldwin to arrange a larger meeting with respected figures from the Black community. Baldwin agreed, and the stage was set for a momentous encounter.
On May 24, 1963, a group of prominent Black intellectuals, artists, and activists gathered at Joseph Kennedy Sr.'s Manhattan apartment to meet with Robert Kennedy. The attendees included:
- James Baldwin - The renowned writer and intellectual
- Harry Belafonte - Popular singer and activist
- Lena Horne - Acclaimed actress and singer
- Kenneth Clark - Respected psychologist and scholar
- Lorraine Hansberry - Playwright of "A Raisin in the Sun"
- Jerome Smith - A Freedom Rider who had been brutally beaten by police
Each of these individuals brought unique perspectives and experiences to the table. Hansberry had long been an advocate for women's and Black rights, infusing her work with social commentary. Belafonte and Horne were conscious of using their positions in the entertainment industry to promote equality and positive representations of Black people. Clark had contributed scientific expertise to landmark legal cases like Brown v. Board of Education.
However, it was Jerome Smith, the young Freedom Rider, who would have the most profound impact on the meeting and on Kennedy himself.
The Clash of Perspectives
The meeting quickly deviated from Kennedy's expectations. Rather than a calm, policy-focused discussion, it became an emotionally charged confrontation that forced Kennedy to confront uncomfortable truths about the Black experience in America.
When Kennedy attempted to steer the conversation towards the administration's efforts on civil rights, Jerome Smith spoke up with raw honesty. He declared that he was close to taking up arms, shocking everyone in the room. Smith's words carried immense weight, as he had been a committed practitioner of nonviolent resistance who now bore the physical and emotional scars of brutal oppression.
Lorraine Hansberry supported Smith's sentiment, stating that she and her friends were prepared to assist in arming those who needed to defend themselves. This moment crystallized the depth of anger and frustration within the Black community, even among those who had previously advocated for nonviolent approaches.
Kennedy struggled to respond effectively to these emotional outbursts. He attempted to dismiss Smith's anger and redirect the conversation, but the other guests recognized that Smith's perspective was precisely what Kennedy needed to hear. Smith represented the lived experience of countless Black Americans who had been let down by their government and subjected to systemic violence and discrimination.
For nearly three hours, Kennedy was forced to listen to passionate testimonies and critiques of his administration's approach to civil rights. The meeting became a clash between policy-oriented thinking and the raw, emotional truth of the Black experience in America.
The Aftermath and Kennedy's Transformation
Initially, Robert Kennedy considered the meeting a disaster. He felt hurt and frustrated that the participants weren't interested in discussing laws and policies. Instead, they wanted him to bear witness to the realities of Black life in America and to recognize racism as a moral issue rather than merely a legal one.
However, this uncomfortable encounter proved to be a turning point for Kennedy. In the days and weeks that followed, he found himself reflecting on the emotions and experiences shared during the meeting. He began to put himself in Jerome Smith's shoes, acknowledging that he might feel differently about America if he had been subjected to the same treatment.
This shift in perspective had a profound impact on Kennedy's subsequent political career. As a Senator for New York and later as a presidential candidate in 1968, he made a point of visiting the poorest neighborhoods in America, witnessing firsthand the conditions in Black ghettos and impoverished Appalachian towns. These experiences deeply affected him and motivated his desire to change federal policies to address poverty and inequality.
Kennedy's transformation demonstrates the power of bearing witness to others' experiences and the potential for genuine change when leaders are willing to listen and empathize.
The Ongoing Relevance of the 1963 Meeting
Dyson argues that the clash between policy and witness that occurred in the 1963 meeting continues to play out in contemporary American politics. He points to a 2015 encounter between Hillary Clinton and Black Lives Matter activists as an example.
When asked about her plans to address mass incarceration and police racism, Clinton initially responded by saying, "I don't believe you can change hearts; I believe you can change laws." This echoed the policy-focused approach that Robert Kennedy had initially taken in 1963.
However, like Kennedy, Clinton's perspective evolved. In a later speech at Clark Atlanta University, she spoke about the importance of harnessing "the power of the feelings" that come from nonviolent activism, demonstrating a shift towards recognizing the emotional and moral dimensions of the struggle for racial justice.
Dyson contends that today's political landscape desperately needs more leaders who, like Robert Kennedy, are willing to listen to and learn from the experiences of marginalized communities. He argues that addressing issues of Black equality can benefit the nation as a whole, rather than being a zero-sum game that pits different groups against each other.
The Role of Black Artists and Intellectuals
The book also explores the ongoing contributions of Black artists and intellectuals to the national conversation on race. Dyson draws parallels between the cultural figures present at the 1963 meeting and their modern-day counterparts.
He notes that while the approach to maintaining a positive media image has changed since the days of Harry Belafonte and Lena Horne, many contemporary Black entertainers continue to use their platforms for social change. For example, hip-hop artists like Jay-Z, Common, and Talib Kweli have brought authentic experiences of Black life to mainstream audiences while also engaging in philanthropy and activism.
Dyson also highlights the importance of Black athletes who have spoken out against racism and inequality. He draws a line from Muhammad Ali's protest against the Vietnam War to Colin Kaepernick's kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality. These acts of defiance, while often met with backlash, are crucial in keeping issues of racial justice in the public consciousness.
In the realm of literature and intellectual discourse, Dyson identifies Ta-Nehisi Coates as a modern-day equivalent to James Baldwin. Coates' writing, particularly his book "Between the World and Me," has been praised for its unflinching examination of white supremacy in America. However, Dyson also acknowledges the tensions and disagreements within the Black intellectual community, noting the critiques leveled at Coates by figures like Cornel West.
Pop Culture as a Tool for Change
Dyson emphasizes the power of popular culture to shape perceptions and promote social change. He points to several recent works that have had a significant impact on mainstream discourse about race in America:
Hamilton: Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical reimagines the Founding Fathers as people of color, challenging traditional narratives about American history and identity.
Get Out: Jordan Peele's horror film uses the genre to explore the insidious nature of racism in supposedly liberal white communities.
Black Panther: This blockbuster film presents a vision of an African nation untouched by colonialism, celebrating Black excellence and creativity.
These works, Dyson argues, continue the tradition of artists like Paul Robeson and Harry Belafonte, who used their platforms to challenge racial stereotypes and promote social justice.
The Need for Moral Leadership
Throughout the book, Dyson emphasizes the need for political leaders who are willing to engage with the moral dimensions of racial inequality. He contrasts this with approaches that focus solely on policy or that attempt to sidestep issues of race altogether.
Dyson is critical of politicians who treat racial issues as a zero-sum game, arguing that addressing Black equality can benefit all Americans. He points to the civil rights movement of the 1960s as an example of how progress in one area of social justice can pave the way for advancements in others, such as LGBTQ+ rights.
The author calls for a return to the spirit of the 1963 meeting - a willingness to listen to uncomfortable truths and to recognize the lived experiences of marginalized communities. He argues that this approach is essential for addressing the ongoing challenges of racism and inequality in America.
Lessons for Today's America
Dyson draws several key lessons from the 1963 meeting that he believes are relevant to contemporary America:
The importance of bearing witness: Political leaders need to be willing to listen to and truly hear the experiences of marginalized communities.
The power of authentic voices: Figures like Jerome Smith, who could speak directly to the realities of oppression, are crucial in driving home the urgency of social change.
The need for moral courage: Leaders must be willing to confront uncomfortable truths and challenge their own assumptions about race and inequality.
The potential for transformation: Robert Kennedy's evolution demonstrates that genuine change is possible when leaders are open to new perspectives.
The ongoing relevance of the civil rights struggle: Many of the issues discussed in 1963 continue to resonate today, highlighting the need for continued engagement with questions of racial justice.
The role of culture in shaping perceptions: Artists, intellectuals, and entertainers play a crucial role in challenging stereotypes and promoting new ways of thinking about race and identity.
Conclusion
"What Truth Sounds Like" uses the 1963 meeting between Robert Kennedy and Black cultural leaders as a lens through which to examine ongoing struggles for racial justice in America. Dyson argues that the lessons from this encounter - the importance of listening to marginalized voices, the power of bearing witness, and the potential for personal and political transformation - remain deeply relevant today.
The book challenges readers to consider how they can engage with these issues in their own lives and communities. It calls for a renewed commitment to addressing the moral dimensions of racial inequality, rather than treating it solely as a matter of policy or law.
Ultimately, Dyson's work is a call to action, urging Americans to confront the uncomfortable truths about their nation's history and present-day realities. By doing so, he suggests, we can work towards a more just and equitable society - one that lives up to the ideals of equality and justice for all.
As we face ongoing challenges related to racial justice, police brutality, and systemic inequality, the lessons from that pivotal meeting in 1963 continue to resonate. Dyson's book serves as a reminder of the power of dialogue, the importance of empathy, and the potential for real change when leaders are willing to listen and learn from those whose experiences differ from their own.
In an era of heightened political polarization and racial tensions, "What Truth Sounds Like" offers a roadmap for how we might bridge divides and work towards a more inclusive and equitable America. It challenges us to consider not just what policies we need to enact, but how we can change hearts and minds to create a society that truly values and respects all of its citizens.
The book's message is clear: progress on racial justice requires more than just legal or policy changes. It demands a fundamental shift in how we understand and relate to one another across racial lines. By revisiting this crucial moment in American history, Dyson invites us to consider how we can apply its lessons to our present-day struggles and aspirations.
As we continue to grapple with issues of racial inequality and injustice, "What Truth Sounds Like" serves as both a historical account and a call to action. It reminds us that the path to a more just and equitable society is not always smooth or comfortable, but it is necessary and ultimately transformative. Through the power of dialogue, empathy, and a willingness to confront difficult truths, we can work towards realizing the promise of true equality and justice for all Americans.