Former UN Ambassador Andrew Young, in a new documentary, reveals the 'dirty work' of the civil rights movement, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes efforts that propelled the historic struggle forward. Young, now 93, narrates his experiences, emphasizing the often-unseen tasks that kept the momentum of the movement alive.
The documentary, titled 'Andrew Young: The Dirty Work,' premieres on MSNBC, offering a unique perspective on the civil rights era. Young's role was not that of a front-line demonstrator but rather a behind-the-scenes strategist, handling correspondence, and building relationships with community leaders to ensure King's message was understood and accepted.
Young's cooperation with the film's executive producer, Rachel Maddow, provided an opportunity to record his memories, highlighting the urgency of hearing from those involved in the civil rights battle. As a recent college graduate, Young joined King's movement in 1957, initially handling a stack of mail, responding to letters on King's behalf, and gradually taking on more significant responsibilities.
Despite his behind-the-scenes role, Young's work was crucial. He met with clergy and business leaders, explaining King's goals and addressing potential disagreements. This aspect of King's strategy, Young notes, was often overlooked, as the movement's immediate response to incidents like George Floyd's death in 2020 was more spontaneous.
One of Young's most memorable moments was during the civil rights demonstrations in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1964. King instructed Young to avoid confrontation with the Ku Klux Klan while the U.S. Senate debated the Civil Rights Act. However, Young's encounter with the Klan resulted in a public backlash, which inadvertently supported the legislation. Young humorously recalls this as a 'successful ass-whuppin'.'
After King's assassination in 1968, Young initially planned to stay behind the scenes, supporting the movement's goal of electing supporters to office. However, the danger and the killings of King and Malcolm X led to a shift in his plans. Young ran for Congress, winning after an initial loss, and later served as mayor of Atlanta in the 1980s.
Maddow, inspired by Young's stories, reflects on the sacrifices made by those involved in such movements. She highlights the internal conflicts and the challenges of achieving consensus within a movement. Maddow sees parallels between the civil rights movement and contemporary struggles against anti-Democratic or authoritarian impulses, emphasizing the importance of learning from historical examples.
Young concludes in the documentary that he has lived out the dream King envisioned, and at 93, he remains committed to sharing his experiences. He believes that his reflections are valuable, even if they take time to convey, stating, 'It was well worth my time to sit down and spell it out.'
The documentary 'Andrew Young: The Dirty Work' serves as a powerful reminder of the often-unseen contributions of individuals like Young, who played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement, shaping American history and inspiring generations to come.
