New Books in History Martha Biondi, "We Are Internationalists: Prexy Nesbitt and the Fight for African Liberation" (U California Press, 2025)
Nov 8, 2025
Martha Biondi, a Professor of Black Studies and History at Northwestern University, discusses her book about Prexy Nesbitt, an influential figure in the fight for African liberation. Biondi reveals how Nesbitt's early exposure to international struggles shaped his activism. She highlights the Chicago movement's collaboration with African liberation efforts and contrasts the internationalist perspective with pan-Africanism. The conversation also delves into the U.S. anti-apartheid movement and the complexities of post-apartheid negotiations, showcasing how Nesbitt's story enriches our understanding of global solidarity.
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Local Roots, Global Reach
- Prexy combined local Chicago organizing with transnational solidarity work across labor, churches, and unions.
- His Chicago networks helped shape municipal politics and national anti-apartheid campaigns.
A Cosmopolitan Family Environment
- Prexy's family hosted cultural and political figures like Robert Hayden and Paul Robeson, shaping his outlook.
- His parents encouraged international experiences, sending him to Sweden as a high school student.
Pan-Africanism Versus Internationalism
- 'Pan-Africanist' activists emphasized racial affinity while 'internationalists' focused on anti-imperialism and opposing U.S. intervention.
- Prexy aligned with internationalists and sometimes clashed with Black nationalists wary of the left.
