The Revolution Will Not Be Litigated: People Power and Legal Power in the 21st Century

Loading player...
Thanks for clicking play on this episode of Pagecast. In today's chat, Mark Gevisser, editor of 'The Revolution Will Not Be Litigated,' is in conversation with activists Mark Heywood and Kumi Naidoo, two of the contributors to the book.

Written from the maxim “it takes a lawyer, an activist, and a storyteller to change the world", The Revolution Will Not Be Litigated shows how the law and social movements can reinforce each other in the struggle for justice and freedom.

In these vibrant narratives, 25 of the world’s most accomplished movement lawyers and activists become storytellers, reflecting on their experiences at the frontlines of some of the most significant struggles of our time. In an era where human rights are under threat, their words offer both an inspiration and a compass for the way movements can use the law – and must sometimes break it – to bring about social justice.

The contributors here take you into their worlds: Jennifer Robinson frantically orchestrating a protest outside London’s Ecuadorean embassy to prevent the authorities from arresting her client Julian Assange; Justin Hansford at the barricades during the protests over the murder of Black teenager Mike Brown in Ferguson, Missouri; Ghida Frangieh in Lebanon’s detention centres trying to access arrested protestors during the 2019 revolution; Pavel Chikov defending Pussy Riot and other abused prisoners in Russia; Ayisha Siddiqa, a shy Pakistani immigrant, discovering community in her new home while leading the 2019 youth climate strike in Manhattan; Greenpeace activist Kumi Naidoo on a rubber dinghy in stormy Arctic seas contemplating his mortality as he races to occupy an oil rig.

The stories in The Revolution Will Not Be Litigated capture the complex, and often-awkward dance between legal reform and social change. They are more than compelling portraits of fascinating lives and work, they are revelatory: of generational transitions; of epochal change and apocalyptic anxiety; of the ethical dilemmas that define our age; and of how one can make a positive impact when the odds are stacked against you in a harsh world of climate crisis and ruthless globalization.

Contributors: Phelister Abdalla, Alejandra Ancheita, Joe Athialy, Baher Azmy, Pavel Chikov, Ghida Frangieh, Njeri Gateru, Mark Gevisser, Robin Gorna, Justin Hansford, Mark Heywood, Benjamin Hoffman, David Hunter, Ka Hsaw Wa, Julia Lalla-Maharajh, Kumi Naidoo, Nana Ama Nketia-Quaidoo, Katie Redford, Jennifer Robinson, Ayisha Siddiqa, Eimear Sparks, Klementyna Suchanov, Marissa Vahlsing, Krystal Two Bulls, David Wicker, Farhana Yamin and JingJing Zhang.
6 Nov 2023 English South Africa Books · Society & Culture

Other recent episodes

These Heavy Black Bones by Rebecca Achieng Ajulu-Bushell

In this episode of Pagecast, Keanan Hemmonsbey interviews Rebecca Achieng Ajulu-Bushell about her prize-winning memoir, These Heavy Black Bones. More about the book: This is not a story about making history. Rebecca Achieng Ajulu-Bushell was once a double British Champion and the first Black woman ever to swim for Great…
18 Aug 31 min

Rubies and Rain by Busisekile Khumalo

This week we have the incredible Sue Nyathi chatting with Busisekile Khumalo to discuss her novel, "Rubies and Rain." More about the book: Ruby has to deal with the news of her father’s death and her sex scandal simultaneously trending on social media. Vimbai has been captured and Nosihle returns…
28 Jul 32 min

Not Another Samoosa Run! by Nadia Cassim

In this episode of Pagecast, Janine Jellars interviews Nadia Cassim about her new book, Not Another Samoosa Run! This is a heartfelt conversation about the vibrant stories, rich cultural nuances, and powerful themes that make this book a unique and engaging local read. More about the book: In Tasneem’s close-knit…
11 Aug 33 min

The Lucky Ones by Alistair Mackay

Step into the world of South African fiction as Wamuwi Mbao sits down with Alistair Mackay to explore his collection of short stories, The Lucky Ones. Discover what makes The Lucky Ones a “dazzling, poignant collection brimming with unforgettable characters and heart,” and why Mackay’s voice stands out in contemporary…
21 Jul 28 min

Journey Kwantu by Vusumzi Ngxande

Discover the story behind "Journey Kwantu" as Joy Fakude sits down with author Vusumzi Ngxande to chat about South African spiritual identity and beliefs. More about the book: “Kwantu means home” – Vusumzi Ngxande For decades, African spirituality has been demonised or met with suspicion. Many people have had to…
14 Jul 39 min