William Barber II is a prominent American Protestant minister, civil rights activist, and political leader. He is best known for his role as the president and senior lecturer of Repairers of the Breach, a nonprofit organization that aims to train faith leaders in civil disobedience and advocacy for social justice. Barber has been a key figure in the fight against systemic racism, poverty, and inequality, and has worked to build a multiracial coalition of faith leaders, labor unions, and community organizations to advocate for progressive policies.
Early Life and Ministry
Barber was born on August 30, 1963, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He grew up in a family of modest means and was raised in a Christian household. Barber’s early life was marked by a strong sense of faith and a commitment to social justice, which was instilled in him by his parents and grandparents. He attended North Carolina Central University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, and later earned a Master of Divinity degree from Duke University. Barber was ordained as a minister in the Disciples of Christ denomination and served as the pastor of several churches in North Carolina.
Moral Mondays and the Forward Together Movement
In 2013, Barber helped to launch the Moral Mondays movement, a series of protests and civil disobedience actions that took place at the North Carolina State Legislature. The movement was sparked by the passage of several regressive laws, including voter ID requirements, cuts to social programs, and restrictions on labor unions. Barber and other faith leaders argued that these laws were morally unjust and disproportionately affected poor and minority communities. The Moral Mondays movement drew national attention and helped to galvanize a new wave of social justice activism in the United States.
| Year | Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Moral Mondays movement launched | Over 1,000 people arrested in civil disobedience actions |
| 2014 | Forward Together Moral Movement formed | Coalition of faith leaders, labor unions, and community organizations established |
| 2015 | Barber becomes president of Repairers of the Breach | Organization expands to train faith leaders in civil disobedience and advocacy |
Poor People’s Campaign
In 2018, Barber helped to launch the Poor People’s Campaign, a national movement that aims to address systemic poverty, racism, and inequality. The campaign is inspired by the original Poor People’s Campaign, which was led by Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968. Barber has argued that the United States is facing a moral crisis, with over 140 million people living in poverty or struggling to make ends meet. The Poor People’s Campaign has drawn attention to issues such as voter suppression, Medicaid expansion, and living wage policies, and has helped to build a multiracial coalition of faith leaders, labor unions, and community organizations.
Key Principles and Demands
The Poor People’s Campaign is guided by several key principles, including the importance of nonviolent civil disobedience, the need for a moral framework for policy decisions, and the imperative of addressing systemic racism and poverty. The campaign has also issued a series of demands, including:
- Guaranteed access to healthcare, education, and living-wage jobs
- Protection of voting rights and an end to voter suppression
- Protections for workers' rights, including collective bargaining and safe working conditions
- Addressing the climate crisis and promoting environmental justice
What is the main goal of the Poor People's Campaign?
+The main goal of the Poor People's Campaign is to address systemic poverty, racism, and inequality in the United States, and to build a multiracial coalition of faith leaders, labor unions, and community organizations to advocate for progressive policies.
What is the significance of the Moral Mondays movement?
+The Moral Mondays movement helped to galvanize a new wave of social justice activism in the United States, and drew national attention to issues such as voter suppression, cuts to social programs, and restrictions on labor unions.
William Barber II’s leadership and vision have helped to shape a new era of social justice activism in the United States. Through his work with the Poor People’s Campaign, the Forward Together Moral Movement, and Repairers of the Breach, Barber has emphasized the importance of moral activism, community organizing, and nonviolent civil disobedience. As the United States continues to grapple with issues of systemic racism, poverty, and inequality, Barber’s message of hope, justice, and solidarity is more urgent than ever.
