Lessons from AIDS Activism

In March of 1987, the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) took its first steps into the streets of New York City, reacting to the inaction of the US government and the silence of the press. 35 years later, the group's bold political tactics are renowned for how much they accomplished so quickly — so how did ACT UP do it?

I recently talked to legendary ACT UP veteran Sarah Schulman, whose work to preserve the movement's history includes co-directing the ACT UP Oral History Project and, just last year, publishing the 700-page epic, LET THE RECORD SHOW: A Political History of ACT UP, New York 1987-1993.

Video Interview

Audio-Only Version

The Book

Don't forget to support Sarah's research by picking up a copy of her book, LET THE RECORD SHOW: A Political History of ACT UP, New York 1987-1993!

Next Week's Reading

Readings for next week's lesson with Wendy Rouse are available here.