Member-only story

The Life and Work of Carey McWilliams

James Hayes

·6.8k Followers· Follow

Published in American Prophet: The Life And Work Of Carey McWilliams

4 min read · 2 weeks before

166 View Claps

13 Respond

Save

Listen

American Prophet: The Life and Work of Carey McWilliams

by Peter Richardson

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1057 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	355 pages

Early Life and Education

Carey McWilliams was born in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, on August 11, 1905. His father, John McWilliams, was a lawyer and politician who served as the state's attorney general. His mother, Mary Carey McWilliams, was a teacher and writer.

McWilliams grew up in a politically active family. His father was a Progressive Republican, and his mother was a Socialist. McWilliams himself became interested in politics at an early age, and he joined the Socialist Party while still in high school.

McWilliams attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied political science and economics. He graduated in 1927 with a bachelor's degree.

Journalism Career

After graduating from college, McWilliams began his career as a journalist. He worked as a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle and the Los Angeles Times. In 1934, he joined the staff of the Nation magazine, where he wrote about labor, civil rights, and immigration.

McWilliams's writing was often critical of the status quo. He was an outspoken opponent of racial discrimination and economic inequality. He also wrote about the plight of migrant workers and the working class.

In 1940, McWilliams published his first book, Factories in the Field: The Story of Migratory Farm Labor in California. The book was a groundbreaking study of the lives and working conditions of migrant farm workers. It helped to raise awareness of the exploitation of these workers and their families.

Civil Rights Activism

McWilliams was also a passionate civil rights activist. He was a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). He also served on the board of the Southern Conference for Human Welfare, an organization that worked to promote racial equality in the South.

In 1946, McWilliams published his second book, A Mask for Privilege: Anti-Semitism in America. The book was a groundbreaking study of anti-Semitism in the United States. It helped to raise awareness of the problem and its impact on American society.

Labor Activism

McWilliams was also a strong advocate for labor rights. He was a member of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO). He also served on the board of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

In 1948, McWilliams published his third book, North from Mexico: The Spanish-Speaking People of the United States. The book was a comprehensive study of the history and culture of Mexican Americans. It helped to raise awareness of the contributions of Mexican Americans to American society.

Later Years

McWilliams continued to write and speak out on social justice issues throughout his life. He published several more books, including The Culture of Poverty (1968) and The Education of Carey McWilliams (1977).

McWilliams died in San Bernardino, California, on March 5, 1980. He was 74 years old.

Legacy

Carey McWilliams was a prolific writer, journalist, and activist who made significant contributions to American society. His work on civil rights, labor, and immigration helped to raise awareness of these important issues and to promote social change.

McWilliams's legacy continues today. His writings are still widely read and cited by scholars and activists. He is remembered as one of the most influential social justice advocates of the 20th century.

American Prophet: The Life and Work of Carey McWilliams

by Peter Richardson

4.8 out of 5