Today’s post was written by library student assistant Judite Sampaio. Judite works on the outreach and engagement team at William H. Hannon Library.
On Nov. 19, 2024, the William H. Hannon Library at Loyola Marymount University hosted an engaging Faculty Pub Night featuring Eric Martin, lecturer in theological studies.
Professor Eric Martin is known for his work on religion and social movements in the modern era, and he recently published a compelling book titled “The Writing on the Wall: Signs of Faith against Fascism.” His talk focused on the events surrounding the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he once lived, and explored various Christian responses to this significant moment in contemporary history.
Martin began his presentation by challenging conventional biblical interpretations. He followed by quoting Yoruba from the Young Lords, a revolutionary group from Puerto Rico, who criticizes how the Bible has often been used to oppress marginalized communities. This perspective set the stage for his discussion on how alternative interpretations of Christianity can inspire resistance against systemic injustices.
He then recounted the chaotic atmosphere leading up to the Charlottesville rally. Martin painted a vivid picture of how various institutions—local government, universities, and churches—failed to adequately respond to the threat posed by white supremacists. He emphasized that when traditional authorities abandon their responsibilities, it becomes imperative for individuals to rely on one another for support and action.
To illustrate this point, Martin engaged the audience in a thought-provoking exercise. He asked attendees to imagine themselves in a scenario where they learned of an impending white supremacist rally in their town. As Martin described the hypothetical situation, he highlighted how official channels—from city council to university leadership to local churches—might fail to take meaningful action. This interactive approach brought home the reality of institutional inaction and the necessity for grassroots organizing.
Martin emphasized that in such situations, when structures fail, people must create their own networks of support and resistance. He explained how in Charlottesville, this meant diverse groups coming together spontaneously to organize against the “Unite the Right” rally. These impromptu coalitions weren’t just about resistance, but about creating alternative forms of community protection and collective power.
Martin shared firsthand accounts from those who participated in counter-protests during the rally. He highlighted the diverse coalition of activists that emerged in response to the rally, including Christians, Jews, Muslims, and non-religious individuals. This interfaith collaboration was crucial in organizing effective resistance against hate and violence.
The discussion also addressed the ongoing relevance of these events in today’s political climate. Martin connected past incidents of anti-Semitism and white supremacy to current events, illustrating that the struggle against fascism is far from over urging attendees to recognize that grassroots organizing remains essential in combating these ideologies.
In closing, Martin’s talk served as a powerful reminder of the importance of community solidarity in times of crisis. By sharing insights from Charlottesville, he encouraged attendees to reflect on their own roles in resisting hate and fostering inclusivity within their communities. His presentation not only illuminated a dark chapter in recent history but also offered hope for collective action against oppression.