"Violence may win battles, but nonviolence wins hearts—and with it, the power to create lasting change." – Author Unknown

In the face of systemic oppression, it’s natural to feel frustration and impatience when progress feels slow. For many in the African American community, the nonviolent approach to civil rights has been a long, hard-fought battle with incremental gains. And with ongoing racial injustice and economic disparity, there is a temptation to take matters into our own hands and fight for civil liberties by force. But as we look back at history, particularly at the lessons of the French Revolution, we find a powerful warning about the perils of violent uprisings—and the dangers of sacrificing our moral high ground in pursuit of justice.

The French Revolution: A Bold Start, But At What Cost?

The French Revolution (1789-1799) began as a daring and necessary revolt against an oppressive monarchy that imposed heavy taxes and maintained an unjust class system. The revolutionaries sought liberty, equality, and fraternity—principles that resonated deeply with people who were tired of being oppressed. They were inspired by Enlightenment ideals, eager to dismantle a system that favored the rich and powerful.

However, as history often teaches us, the road to change can be far messier than we expect. What began as an effort to build a more just society soon descended into chaos. Revolutionary leaders, once united by the ideals of liberty, turned on one another in the name of preserving the revolution. The Reign of Terror saw the execution of thousands, including the very leaders who had started the movement. The revolutionaries found themselves caught in a vicious cycle of violence, leading to a new form of tyranny under Napoleon Bonaparte.

Despite the French Revolution’s immediate success in ending the monarchy, the legacy it left behind was one of instability, fear, and further power struggles. The country spent years in turmoil before political stability was ever achieved, and the promises of equality remained unfulfilled for many.

Violence Often Breeds Further Violence

The French Revolution highlights a critical truth: violence often breeds more violence. The cycle of uprisings, coups, and purges made it difficult for the revolutionaries to ever achieve their long-term goals of liberty and justice. The very ideals that sparked the revolution were corrupted in the pursuit of power, and the country never truly moved beyond the cycle of chaos.

For those of us who feel frustrated with the pace of progress in civil rights, the temptation to turn to force as a solution is understandable. The legacy of centuries of systemic oppression is real, and the desire for change is urgent. But if we examine history, we see that while violence may bring short-term action, it rarely produces lasting solutions.

The Danger of Losing the Moral High Ground

One of the key factors that helped the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s succeed was its unwavering commitment to nonviolence. Leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks understood that the moral power of peaceful protest could not only expose the injustices of the status quo but also move hearts and minds to action. When peaceful demonstrators were met with violence—such as during the Selma marches or the Birmingham Campaign—it was the stark contrast between the two that turned public opinion in favor of the movement.

A violent uprising risks losing that moral high ground. It can alienate allies, give legitimacy to the opposition, and allow those in power to claim that they are responding to an "uncontrollable" threat. Instead of winning hearts and minds, violence can deepen divisions and fuel further oppression.

A Long-Term Strategy for Lasting Change

One of the most important lessons from the French Revolution is that true progress takes time—and often requires more than just tearing down the old system. We cannot simply overthrow the existing structures and expect a new, just society to emerge overnight. We must rebuild. The nonviolent approach focuses on transforming laws, institutions, and societal attitudes. We must demand justice, yes, but we must also be patient and strategic in how we demand it.

This doesn’t mean we should be passive in our fight for civil liberties. Nonviolence does not equate to passivity. It’s a tool that allows us to apply pressure, expose injustice, and force systems to change while maintaining a vision for a more equitable future. It is a strategy that works toward enduring systemic reform, rather than the temporary satisfaction of a violent outburst.

The Case for Strategic Action

The French Revolution teaches us the dangers of taking radical action without thinking through the long-term consequences. It’s a powerful reminder that the path to justice isn’t just about dismantling the old—it’s about creating something better in its place. In the case of civil rights, the Civil Rights Movement demonstrated that sustained, nonviolent activism can achieve lasting change. The passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were monumental victories that continue to shape our society today.

Instead of turning to violence, we must double down on strategies that build coalitions, mobilize voting power, and demand the change we seek. By using our collective voices, economic power, and advocacy, we can continue to push for a just society while avoiding the instability that comes with violence.

Conclusion: Building, Not Destroying

The frustration felt by many in the African American community is valid. We’ve faced generations of systemic racism, economic inequality, and social injustice. But the lessons of the French Revolution show us that violence often results in unintended consequences and missed opportunities for true progress. The Civil Rights Movement demonstrated that nonviolent resistance, while slower, builds a foundation for lasting change.

As we continue the fight for civil rights today, we must remember that justice can’t be rushed or achieved through force. We must stay steadfast in our commitment to nonviolence, recognizing that the real power lies in building a better future, not tearing down the structures of the present without a clear path forward.

The road to true equality may be long, but it is one worth walking—together.