“Winning Freedom and Exacting Justice”

Chapter three explores proverbs, sayings, and proverbial language that Asa Philip Randolph (April 15, 1889–May 16, 1979) used as he led the black Labor Movement and the Civil Rights Movement. Randolph’s biographies, writings, and speeches illustrate that proverbs and proverbial expressions had a profound influence on his life and political philosophy. Randolph believed that everyone in America was entitled to equal employment opportunities, and he used proverbs and proverbial language to convince others. He used them to persuade the masses to participate in nonviolent protest and to persuade leaders to act on behalf of black people. Contextualized examples in chapter three illustrate that Randolph used proverbial rhetoric in a variety of situations including: during court proceedings, in speeches, and in Messenger magazine. Examining these different areas illustrate that Randolph was fully aware of the moral and political value of some proverbs, and he utilized this rhetorical authority whenever necessary.