The Fight for His Life: Edwards on Race and Power in Minneapolis
Book Review From:
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, Thursday, November 7-13, 2002,
p. 9.
By Isaac Peterson III, Staff Writer
[Note: bold emphasis added]
The fight of his life: Edwards on race and power in Mpls
By: Isaac Peterson, III
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
Originally posted 11/6/2002
"He’s brilliant. But in a dangerous way... He’s
dangerously brilliant" was the way one of Ron Edwards’ political
opponents described him to me recently.
"Dangerously brilliant" describes not only Ron Edwards,
but also his new book, The Minneapolis Story, Through My Eyes.
The book narrates the behind-the-scenes political happenings in
Minneapolis that not many know about, but everyone should.
It is difficult to separate the man from the book, as it is written
as if Edwards is speaking directly to the reader. Complicated situations
are recounted in a way that makes his account of the ins and outs
of Minneapolis politics a fascinating read. Like Edwards himself,
his book is not afraid to name names, and he provides a wealth
of detail and documentation. Any of the people who see their names
appear in The Minneapolis Story will not enjoy the experience,
however.
In The Minneapolis Story, Edwards "connects the dots" so
the reader will learn: how "legal" trumps "moral";
the facts behind the Hollman Project fiasco; the corruption of
the Minneapolis education, housing, and construction contract systems;
the stories behind the downfall of Luther Darville and Sharon Sayles
Belton; the ugly truth about redistricting; why the Vikings will
be leaving Minnesota; and much, much more.
The book has several themes; probably the main one is the acquisition
and allocation of power by individuals and groups in Minneapolis.
The misuse of power plays a central role in the narrative.
Another recurring theme is the lack of effective leadership in
the African American community. Edwards examines the roles that
prominent leaders and groups (Black and white) have played in keeping
the power of African Americans diffuse, and therefore ineffective,
while they see their own careers furthered. Put simply, Edwards
believes that social justice should be put ahead of social service.
Edwards also chronicles how he came to Minneapolis, and what has
motivated his decades-long struggle for social justice. He has
made many friends along the way, as well as enemies. The book,
like the man, reveals much, but not all. A prime example is that
while inside information is revealed, the reader almost never knows
how it was obtained.
One point that bears consideration is that while Edwards has had
many opponents, and even enemies, many of them have come and gone.
Some of their names are only dimly remembered, but Edwards is still
active, and still going strong. Ron Edwards loves a good fight.
While he wishes fights were not necessary, he will not run away
from one.
Though critical, the book is not unrelentingly negative; it ends
with a chapter called "The Positive Future Possibilities for
Minneapolis,"
and an interlude titled "Calculating A Better Future For All."
Indeed, the book begins with Edwards’ vision of "a shining
beacon on the hill" — the Minneapolis he and most residents
have always wanted to see.
Anyone who thinks they know Minneapolis, or Ron Edwards, should
read this book and find out how much more there really is to know.
No matter what the reader’s opinion of Ron Edwards the man,
it will take some doing to find a better, more fascinating book.
The Minneapolis Story, Through My Eyes, by Ron Edwards, is now
available in Minneapolis at Ruminator Books and other independent
bookstores, at the MSR office, and www.amazon.com |
