“`html

For ages, protest has served as a formidable force within societies, shaping governance, media, and everyday existence. The last two decades, in particular, have been distinguished by extraordinary levels of activism, as noted by sociologist Kenneth “Andy” Andrews, Tileston Professor of Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis.

However, governments, businesses, and culture have been more sluggish to adapt.

“We’ve observed considerable activism, yet relatively limited signs of the political clout required to convert that passion into institutional reform,” stated Andrews, whose historically informed research is unveiling new perspectives on how social movements can garner extensive attention and influence policy in contemporary society.

From Civil Rights to Black Lives Matter and beyond

Andrews was raised in Pensacola, Fla., during the 1980s, in a family that wasn’t particularly politically active, yet always engaged with, and discussing, current affairs, he mentioned.

“Growing up in the South during the post-civil rights era, I was intrigued by what had or hadn’t altered due to that social movement, along with the resistance to initiatives like school desegregation and affirmative action,” Andrews remarked. “The conservative ideologies emerging from the 1980s reflected a pendulum-like reaction to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.”

Andrews embarked on his undergraduate journey as a pre-med major at Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss. — a city pivotal to the Civil Rights Movement. Stimulated by his classes, and perhaps his environment, he swiftly switched his major to sociology. During this period, Andrews also co-led a campus organization advocating for policies to combat hunger and poverty on a national scale. This experience in activism deepened his fascination with the efficacy of social movements as well as the hurdles they encounter.

“We encountered significant obstacles in rallying support from Mississippi’s congressional representatives, but it was invigorating to collaborate with groups from across the nation to advocate for changes,” Andrews recalled.

Upon obtaining a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Millsaps in 1990, Andrews pursued a master’s degree and PhD in sociology at the State University of New York at Stony Brook.

At first, Andrews contemplated exploring various sub-disciplines of sociology, but he gravitated back to his enduring interest in social movements. “Sociologists usually examine how society is perpetuated through social interactions and structures. However, social movements aim to disrupt and alter those persistent patterns of inequality. That truly excited me,” he stated.

Andrews was particularly interested in the philosophies of civil rights advocates such as Ella Baker, Bob Moses, and Anne Moody.

“While in graduate school, I began delving deeper and studying the organizations and tactics developed by Black college students in the early 1960s. They aimed to avoid relying on a singular charismatic leader to guide their movement,” Andrews explained. “I wanted to grasp how one can establish a dynamic organization that fosters new leaders and remains independent of the status quo.”

This fascination led Andrews to a career spanning over 20 years dedicated to examining the dynamics and legacy of the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. South. He authored “Freedom is a Constant Struggle: The Mississippi Civil Rights Movement and Its Legacy,” published in 2004 by the University of Chicago Press, along with over a dozen scholarly articles on this subject. He has also studied the leadership, participation, and impact of environmental organizations and the local and state politics surrounding Prohibition.

Andrews’ historical investigations acquired new significance with the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2013. Currently, Andrews, who directs graduate studies in WashU’s Department of Sociology, is tracking the transformation of Black Lives Matter activism across various cities — from Trayvon Martin’s death in Sanford, Fla., to George Floyd’s in Minneapolis. He is also scrutinizing the dynamics of local civil rights movements in the South, concentrating on how community organizing can generate larger waves of protest.

This comparative analysis of diverse locations — some with weaker and others with stronger movements — has guided Andrews from his dissertation to the present day.

“We’re investigating why these local movements harness power that may not be replicable in St. Louis, or what achievements might occur in Birmingham,” Andrews noted. “The crucial inquiry we pursue is how various places evolve distinctly over time and how movements facilitate these changes.”

“Social movements operate in a David-and-Goliath framework, so we don’t anticipate them to always triumph or possess an advantage that simplifies accomplishing their goals. Yet, occasionally they do exert significant influences, and we must comprehend why.”

‘Social movements operate in a David-and-Goliath framework, so we don’t anticipate them to always triumph or possess an advantage that simplifies accomplishing their goals. Yet, occasionally they do exert significant influences, and we must comprehend why.’

Kenneth “Andy” Andrews

A changing landscape

With the rise of social media, movements have discovered new avenues to circulate ideas without requiring in-person connections, Andrews explicated.

“Historically, social movements depended on communities such as churches and schools, where individuals had established connections, to disseminate their ideas, recruit members, and sustain their initiatives,” Andrews remarked. “Through social media, movements can more effectively attract attention and mobilize individuals.”

However, social media presents challenges as well. “The fervor for movements can dissipate swiftly if it solely relies on social media, compelling leaders to devise strategies for cultivating more lasting relationships and organizations if they desire enduring impacts,” Andrews stated.

In a time of escalating political polarization, movements must also find methods to communicate strategically with supporters while reaching out to those who might be disengaged or skeptical of their objectives. While television and social media rapidly disseminate information, audiences frequently find themselves trapped in echo chambers.

“Many individuals consume media in ways already shaped by their political ideologies. They are disconnected from information that contrasts with their preferred perspective,” Andrews observed.

This polarization complicates collaboration and slows the pace of change, with activists often encountering gridlock with local and national governments, he explained.

“Over the last sixty years, the opportunity for bipartisan legislative action has shifted from relatively routine to nonexistent, altering the political calculus for social movements eager to impact national policymaking,” Andrews remarked.

Despite the persistent challenges of uniting individuals and maintaining commitment — along with recent movements to suppress peaceful protests and silence dissent — activists are resolute in their efforts. As long as activists continue to engage and strive for social transformation, Andrews will be there to analyze their endeavors.

The post Washington People: Kenneth Andrews appeared first on The Source.

“`