Building upon the recent resurgence of social movements and the accompanying surge of activism-based research projects in rhetorical studies, this book examines acts of resistance produced by the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival (PPC) as the movement disrupts the narrative of poverty, a tool utilized by the powerful to justify class- and race-based structures of oppression. Following the path paved by rhetoricians oriented by critical rhetoric, this project challenges conventional rhetorical thought by incorporating participatory research methodology conducted in the field as an organizer and an activist working within the movement. Taking cues from foundational critical rhetoricians like Hess, Senda-Cook, Endres, and Middleton who argued that participation “invites consideration of perspectives that have not been historically included in rhetoric,” this book provides an in-depth exploration of the PPC from the perspective of those most impacted by the current realities of poverty. This is a perspective and a voice nearly absent in rhetorical scholarship. This project is guided by the belief that the modern rise in social movements around class- and race-based oppression necessitates that critical scholars in rhetorical studies comprehend the kairotic importance of modern social movements and produce critical research projects in solidarity with those seeking liberation.

Austin Harrington has spent time as an organizer for national social movements, a leader in local activist collectives, and an activist-scholar at Iowa State University (ISU), where he earned his PhD in Rhetoric and Professional Communication. Along with a PhD, Austin also earned a graduate certificate in Education for Social Justice through the college of Education at ISU. Currently, Austin teaches composition, public speaking, intercultural communication, and communication for advocacy.