Free Thomas Wansley (circa 1970s) by Anne Braden
A Civil Rights Appeal Against Racism and Injustice
$50.01
Title: "Free Thomas Wansley" (circa 1970s) by Anne Braden – From the Home of Bill Ayers & Bernardine Dohrn
Description: This vintage pamphlet, titled "Free Thomas Wansley," was written by Anne Braden and serves as a powerful example of civil rights literature from the early 1970s. Anne Braden was a white Southern journalist and activist dedicated to the fight against racism and injustice. This pamphlet addresses the case of Thomas Wansley, a Black man wrongfully convicted in a deeply biased trial, and serves as a plea from Braden to Southern white women, calling for solidarity and justice.
Provenance: This copy bears the embossed stamp that reads: "From the home of Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn," featuring the Weather Underground’s emblem and the words "All Power to the People." The provenance ties this pamphlet to the radical history of the Weather Underground and two of its most prominent figures, Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn. This association adds significant historical and cultural value.
About the Pamphlet: Anne Braden was known for her lifelong commitment to the civil rights movement and for her courage in standing against the injustices of Southern racism. This pamphlet is a testament to her activism and showcases her fearless advocacy for Black liberation, even at a time when such positions were met with hostility.
Condition: The pamphlet is in fair condition with signs of age-related wear, including light creasing and minor tanning around the edges. The content remains intact, making it a crucial piece of history for collectors and those interested in the literature of civil rights and social justice.
Provenance & Significance: The provenance of this pamphlet ties it directly to Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn, prominent figures of the Weather Underground and leaders in the 1960s-70s radical leftist movements. The historical context of this item—combined with its connection to these individuals—makes it an important artifact for collectors of civil rights memorabilia and those interested in radical history.
Why We're Selling: Proceeds from this sale will support the upcoming publication of "Bomb Ass Recipes from the Kitchen of Bill Ayers & Bernardine Dohrn," a new book by artist Shane Bugbee, featuring family recipes, stories, and reflections from Ayers and Dohrn.
Estimated Value: Given its connection to Anne Braden and the Weather Underground’s history, this pamphlet is estimated to be valued between $75-$150, making it a unique piece for collectors of civil rights literature and 20th-century political history.
Shipping & Handling: This pamphlet will be carefully packaged and shipped with insurance and tracking to ensure its safe arrival.
A vital addition for those interested in civil rights history, Southern activism, and radical literature.
Certificate of Authenticity
Each item in this exclusive collection of Books, Zines, Political Pamphlets, and Unique Artifacts has been personally curated from the home of American revolutionaries Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn. Spanning their long careers as activists and radical organizers, these rare pieces are more than just collectibles—they’re tangible pieces of history that bear witness to a life of resistance, community building, and defiance against the status quo.
Every item comes with a Certificate of Authenticity featuring an embossed stamp that reads: “From the Home of Bernardine Dohrn & Bill Ayers,” accompanied by the Weather Underground logo and the powerful phrase “Power to All People.” This stamp certifies the provenance of these historically significant items, ensuring their authenticity and preserving the legacy of two individuals who helped shape American political activism.
Whether it’s a well-worn political pamphlet that fueled the fires of rebellion or a personal artifact from their private collection, this certificate guarantees that you’re holding a genuine piece of radical history.