Summaries of books about Racial Studies:
What Truth Sounds Like
Robert F. Kennedy, James Baldwin, and Our Unfinished Conversation About Race in America
Michael Eric Dyson
The book examines a historic 1963 meeting between Robert F. Kennedy, James Baldwin, and other influential African American figures discussing the civil rights movement, and it connects this dialogue to ongoing issues of race in contemporary America. It explores the impact of these conversations on Kennedy's political evolution and reflects on how the themes of racial justice, activism, and political responsibility remain relevant today.
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Culture Warlords
My Journey Into the Dark Web of White Supremacy
Talia Lavin
The book is an investigative exploration into the online world of white supremacy, where the author goes undercover to expose the networks, ideologies, and tactics of hate groups. It provides a personal account of the dangers and impacts of extremist movements on society, revealing the author's encounters and the emotional toll of her journey.
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Nice Racism
How Progressive White People Perpetuate Racial Harm
Robin DiAngelo
The book critically examines the ways in which well-intentioned white progressives can inadvertently uphold systemic racism through their actions and attitudes. It delves into issues such as white fragility, the importance of recognizing unconscious biases, and the need for ongoing self-awareness and anti-racist education among those who consider themselves allies.
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Farming While Black
Soul Fire Farm’s Practical Guide to Liberation on the Land
Leah Penniman
The book serves as a comprehensive manual for African-heritage people to start and sustain farms, reclaiming their connection to the land and addressing food justice issues. It provides historical context, personal stories, and practical farming advice, including how to grow crops, raise livestock, and build a community-based food system.
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Race After Technology
Abolitionist Tools for the New Jim Code
Ruha Benjamin
The book examines the intersection of race and technology, highlighting how digital tools and algorithms can perpetuate racial biases and discrimination, a phenomenon termed the "New Jim Code." It explores the social implications of these technologies and advocates for an abolitionist approach to counteract and dismantle these oppressive systems.
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From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation
Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor
The book analyzes the historical and contemporary roots of systemic racism and economic inequality in the United States, exploring how the #BlackLivesMatter movement serves as a response to police violence and a rallying cry for racial justice. It also discusses the potential for black liberation through solidarity and the intersection of race, class, and capitalism.
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Diversity, Inc.
The Failed Promise of a Billion-Dollar Business
Pamela Newkirk
The book critically examines the diversity industry in corporate America, revealing how despite billions spent on diversity initiatives, progress has been largely superficial and has failed to produce meaningful racial and gender inclusion. It delves into case studies, interviews, and research to expose the gap between the rhetoric of inclusivity and the realities of persistent inequality in the workplace.
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The Kaepernick Effect
Taking a Knee, Changing the World
Dave Zirin
The book examines the impact of NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick's decision to kneel during the national anthem in protest of racial injustice and police brutality. It explores the subsequent wave of activism it inspired among athletes at all levels, from professional to high school, and the broader conversation about race and patriotism it ignited across the United States.
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The Black Agenda
Bold Solutions for a Broken System
Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman
The book is a collection of essays from prominent Black scholars, activists, and leaders that address systemic issues affecting the Black community, offering innovative solutions across various fields such as economics, education, and healthcare. It provides a comprehensive exploration of the structural challenges and proposes actionable strategies for creating equitable change in American society.
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The White Wall
How Big Finance Bankrupts Black America
Emily Flitter
The book investigates the systemic financial barriers and discriminatory practices that African Americans face in the United States, revealing how banks and other financial institutions contribute to racial economic disparities. It provides an in-depth analysis of the historical and contemporary factors that have led to a significant wealth gap between Black and white Americans, including redlining, predatory lending, and unequal access to credit.
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