Books to read: If you want to learn about racism in America
In light of recent events- the 2024 Presidential Election- I have taken it upon myself to highlight some books that will help those who are interested in confronting the undeniable racism in America.
As a black woman in AmeriKKKa, I had to confront the racism in this country at a young age. My father looked at me at age 10 and told me to “always be on my best behavior because they have already judged you.” Because the results of the recent election, I am more motivated than ever to make sure I am as educated as I can be when it comes to the political climate of this country. Black women overwhelmingly voted for Kamala Harris- I am a proud one of those black women. 92% to be exact. I am proud of the work I have done and will continue to do so. That being said, I have spoken to my white friends and expressed to them that I have decided to take a step back and focus on myself, and that it is up to them to go into white spaces and make sure that they are doing the work required to help dismantle racism in their communities. I love my friends, and I am lucky to have such a great, like-minded community and family. But, I know that there are some people that are not lucky in that matter and need an outlet. This can be their outlet. It can also be their inspiration and where they go to learn. SO BUCKLE UP CLASS! It’s time to learn.
Here are some books to read if you want to learn about the undeniable racism in our country. I would especially read these books if you are white and are okay with being uncomfortable… because these will make you uncomfortable. HOWEVER, before you click off of this newsletter because you are scared to confront this topic, think about all of the black people that have been uncomfortable their whole lives. I was born uncomfortable. I live uncomfortably everyday in a white world. Especially a white mans world. (Trump supporters, this is not a place for you. Unless you want to learn, then maybe I can find a spot for you.)
White Flight by Kevin M. Kruse
The forgotten story of how southern white supremacy and resistance to desegregation helped give birth to the modern conservative movement. White Flight dives into the cause of the mass exodus of white Americans in Atlanta in the 1960s and 70s, and the consequences of it.
On Critical Race Theory by Victor Ray
What exactly is critical race theory? This concise and accessible exploration demystifies a crucial framework for understanding and fighting racial injustice in the United States. As a white passing black man, Victor Ray shares his experience being in white spaces while his white counterparts talk about black people. Ray then goes on to explain why critical race theory is important and why we should all care.
The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
By targeting black men through the War on Drugs and decimating communities of color, the U.S. criminal justice system functions as a contemporary system of racial control—relegating millions to a permanent second-class status—even as it formally adheres to the principle of colorblindness.
Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together In the Cafeteria by Beverly Daniel Tatum
The classic, New York Times-bestselling book on the psychology of racism that shows us how to talk about race in America. Beverly Daniel Tatum, a renowned authority on the psychology of racism, argues that straight talk about our racial identities is essential if we are serious about communicating across racial and ethnic divides and pursuing antiracism. These topics have only become more urgent as the national conversation about race is increasingly acrimonious.
These are just a few of many books that can be beneficial, and a great start to confronting and learning about racism in AmeriKKKa. Centering black literature is a crucial step to learning how to dismantle racism, and learn how to be antiracist. Confronting your whiteness (for those that are white and reading this) is an even more crucial step. I hope you will step out of your comfort zone and join us over here in the land of uncomfortability. And if you are too scared to read these books because you are afraid that your worst suspicions of AmeriKKKa are true… GET THE FUCK OVER YOURSELF. Until next time.
“That’s all.”- Miranda Priestly