Remembering Thompson Bradley

Thompson Bradley

To the Editor:

A legend among many of us activists, I remember Thompson Bradley from his Veterans for Peace time, and as part of Delco Pledge of Resistance (see archives at the Swarthmore College Peace Collection), which was a local branch of National Pledge of Resistance, resisting U.S. Interventions in Central America. He was an inspiration to many of us in both his activities and speeches.

When we would run into him at Martindale’s or Seven Stones, he would always remember us by name, and was always friendly and engaging.

Another memory of mine is a course in Russian Literature he taught in a Swarthmore Lifelong Learning Class. This rekindled my passion for Dostoevsky and introduced me to many fine Russian novels, especially Petersburg by Andrei Bely.

He was a leader for many of us who believed, and still believe in non-violent resistance, and that, to be a whole person one should participate in the life of their time.

Robert Small
Swarthmore