Robert Greene II

is an assistant professor of history at Claflin University and has written for Jacobin, In These Times, and Dissent.

A female welder. Circa 1930s–1940s.

A Sweeping History of the Black Working Class A Sweeping History of the Black Working Class

By focusing on the Black working class and its long history, Blair LM Kelley’s book, Black Folk, helps tell the larger story of American democracy over the past two and a half cen...

Jun 12, 2024 / Books & the Arts / Robert Greene II

The Black Panthers’ Liberation School

Why the United States Needs a New Reconstruction Why the United States Needs a New Reconstruction

In The Third Reconstruction, historian Peniel Joseph examines how how the broken promises of racial equality in the past might be fulfilled in the future.

Feb 22, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Robert Greene II

Imani Perry’s Capacious History of the South

Imani Perry’s Capacious History of the South Imani Perry’s Capacious History of the South

While the South is often dismissed as a region catching up to the rest of the country, Perry's new book demonstrates why it has always been the key to defining the promise and limi...

Sep 21, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Robert Greene II

Girls dance outside the Brooklyn Library.

Keeping Juneteenth Radical Keeping Juneteenth Radical

Crass commercialization of a holiday is as American as a Labor Day sale, and so it is up to us to keep the true spirit of Juneteenth alive.

Jun 20, 2022 / Robert Greene II

Hubert Harrison, Giant of Harlem Radicalism

Hubert Harrison, Giant of Harlem Radicalism Hubert Harrison, Giant of Harlem Radicalism

A two-volume biography tracks the life and times of one of Harlem’s leading socialists.

Jun 1, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Robert Greene II

We Must Protect Historically Black Colleges and Universities

We Must Protect Historically Black Colleges and Universities We Must Protect Historically Black Colleges and Universities

It’s no wonder HBCUs are under attack given how hostile our society remains to Black success.

Feb 21, 2022 / StudentNation / Robert Greene II

Annette Gordon-Reed’s Personal History of Juneteenth

Annette Gordon-Reed’s Personal History of Juneteenth Annette Gordon-Reed’s Personal History of Juneteenth

In her new book, Gordon-Reed reminds us that besides offering us origin stories the past can also provides us with a way to think about the present and future.

Jun 28, 2021 / Books & the Arts / Robert Greene II

St. Louis

The City That Embodies the United States’ Contradictions The City That Embodies the United States’ Contradictions

In the history of St. Louis, we find both a radical and reactionary past—and a more hopeful future too.

May 17, 2021 / Books & the Arts / Robert Greene II

The Long History of the FBI’s Surveillance of Martin Luther King

The Long History of the FBI’s Surveillance of Martin Luther King The Long History of the FBI’s Surveillance of Martin Luther King

A new documentary details the bureau’s response to King and how the harassment of left-wing radicals and activists of color was integral to its mission in the 20th century.

Feb 16, 2021 / Books & the Arts / Robert Greene II

Julian Bond’s Life in Protest and Politics

Julian Bond’s Life in Protest and Politics Julian Bond’s Life in Protest and Politics

A new collection of essays demonstrates how the civil rights icon’s thinking evolved amid the upheavals of the 20th century.

Aug 10, 2020 / Books & the Arts / Robert Greene II

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