In a new documentary, former UN Ambassador Andrew Young reveals the often-overlooked 'dirty work' behind the civil rights movement, shedding light on the unsung heroes who kept the momentum going.
Young, now 93, narrates "Andrew Young: The Dirty Work," a film that premieres on MSNBC, offering a unique perspective on his role as a behind-the-scenes strategist for Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. during the 1960s.
"It's a phrase that might raise eyebrows, but it captures the essence of the work that doesn't always make headlines," Young explains.
When Young joined King's movement, he was handed a stack of mail and tasked with responding to letters on King's behalf. Little did he know, this seemingly mundane job would shape his role as an advance man, meeting with community leaders and clergy to lay the groundwork for King's campaigns, even in the face of disagreement.
"I was doing the grunt work, the necessary tasks that kept the movement moving forward," Young recalls. "While others marched, I was often in the back, ensuring the wheels kept turning."
But here's where it gets controversial: Young argues that the immediate, angry response to George Floyd's murder in 2020, while understandable, lacked the strategic planning that characterized King's approach.
"King's method was about building understanding and consensus first," Young says. "It's a lesson we often forget."
One of Young's most memorable moments came during civil rights demonstrations in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1964. King sent Young to avoid a confrontation with the Ku Klux Klan, but Young ended up being beaten, which sparked public outrage and helped advance the Civil Rights Act.
"It was a successful lesson in the power of non-violent resistance," Young reflects.
After King's assassination in 1968, Young anticipated continuing his behind-the-scenes work, but the danger and loss of other leaders like Malcolm X made others reluctant to step forward. Young, however, ran for Congress and later became the UN Ambassador and Mayor of Atlanta.
"I never sought recognition, but challenges kept coming my way," Young says.
The documentary also explores the internal conflicts within King's movement, with Young recalling a near-violent altercation with a colleague after King's death.
"It's a reminder that while the destination might be clear, the path is often disputed," Maddow, the film's executive producer, notes.
Maddow believes Young's story offers valuable lessons for today's political landscape.
"In a time when democracy is under threat, we must learn from those who successfully fought against incredible odds," she says. "Every American has a role to play, and it starts with understanding our unique strengths and capacities."
Young concludes that he has lived much of the dream King envisioned, but his work is far from over.
"Sharing my reflections is part of that journey," he says. "It's my duty to ensure the lessons of the past are not forgotten."
What do you think? Is there a lesson from Young's experience that resonates with you? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
