March: Book Two

Content Warning: This section of the guide feature depictions of racism, antigay bias, and graphic violence.

There are two sites of narrative tension within this graphic memoir. First, activists for civil rights experience external conflict, as segregationists use physical violence against them and certain local organizations, like the Birmingham Police Force and Greyhound officials, present them with bureaucratic obstacles. While these are the primary conflicts facing Lewis and other activists, the graphic memoir also depicts the differing philosophies that leaders within the movement adopt, and how this affects their tactics, strategies, and priorities within their organizations.

There are differences in how prominent figures want to approach the civil rights movement. The first exists between Black civil rights leaders and the largely white body of governmental officials who conceptually consider themselves allies to the cause, but practically advance tactics that Black activists find counterintuitive to their struggle. Lewis has a conflict with Will Campbell, a white reverend who wants to suspend all marching upon threats of violence. Campbell accuses Lewis of being selfish, saying, “What it comes down to is that this is just a matter of pride to you. This is about your own stubbornness.