The power of the civil rights movement is often told through the lens of its iconic leaders, but what about the unsung heroes who worked tirelessly behind the scenes? Former UN Ambassador Andrew Young, in a new documentary, reveals the 'dirty work' he undertook during his time with the legendary Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s.
Young, now 93, narrates his own story in "Andrew Young: The Dirty Work," which premieres on MSNBC. Executive producer Rachel Maddow was captivated by Young's use of the phrase 'dirty work' to describe his role, and it became the documentary's theme and title.
But here's where it gets controversial... Young's work was not the glamorous, headline-grabbing kind. It was the grunt work, the essential tasks that kept the movement's momentum going. He took on the thankless tasks, the behind-the-scenes organizing, and the often-dangerous advance work for King's campaigns.
Young joined King's movement in 1957, fresh out of college and unsure of his path. He was handed a stack of mail and tasked with responding to letters sent to King. His writing skills impressed King, and Young found himself in a unique position, shaping the movement's narrative from the shadows.
"With that kind of role, you don't get to march at the front. You're always at the back," Young says. But he wasn't seeking recognition; he was driven by a desire to contribute in unique ways.
One of Young's most notable moments in the spotlight came during civil rights demonstrations in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1964. King wanted to avoid a confrontation with the Ku Klux Klan, but Young was beaten up, and the public outrage that followed helped push the Civil Rights Act forward.
After King's assassination in 1968, Young anticipated continuing his behind-the-scenes work, but the danger and loss of other leaders made others reluctant to step forward. Young, however, ran for Congress and later became the ambassador to the UN and mayor of Atlanta.
"I started getting challenges, and that's how my life has been for the last 75 years," Young reflects.
Maddow was deeply moved by Young's stories, realizing the extent of the sacrifices made by those involved in the movement. She was particularly intrigued by the internal conflicts and disagreements within King's team, highlighting that while the destination may be clear, the path to get there is often contested.
"Bravery is romanticized, but it's about sacrifice and pain," Maddow says. "Ambassador Young eloquently captures that."
Maddow sees the Young documentary as a powerful lesson for today's political climate. She believes every American who wants to contribute politically must find their unique role, just as Young did.
"I have lived much of the dream that (King) spoke about," Young concludes. Even at 93, he believes his work is not done, and sharing his reflections is a crucial part of that legacy.
"It was time well spent to spell it all out," he says.
