Radical Philosophy Review

Volume 18, Issue 1, 2015

Confronting State and Theory

Tommy J. Curry, Max Kelleher
Pages 45-68

Robert F. Williams and Militant Civil Rights
The Philosophy and Legacy of Pre-emptive Self-Defense

Robert F. Williams, despite being a central historical figure and noted theorist of the Black radical tradition, is ignored as a subject of philosophical relevance and political theory. His challenges to the racist segregationist regime of the South influenced generations of thinkers and revolutionaries. However he is erased from the annals of thought for his use of armed resistance. This paper aims to introduce his life and work to philosophy as material for study and situate his program of pre-emptive self-defense within the Black radical tradition.