What do you think?
Rate this book
The Black Agenda: Bold Solutions for a Broken System
" The Black Agenda mobilizes top Black experts from across the country to share transformative perspectives on how to deploy anti-racist ideas and policies into everything from climate policy to criminal justice to healthcare. This book will challenge what you think is possible by igniting long overdue conversations around how to enact lasting and meaningful change rooted in racial justice." ―Ibram X. Kendi, #1 New York Times bestselling author of How to Be an Antiracist and Stamped From the Beginning
From ongoing reports of police brutality to the disproportionate impact COVID-19 has had on Black Americans, 2020 brought a renewed awareness to the deep-rootedness of racism and white supremacy in every facet of American life.
Edited by Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman, The Black Agenda is the first book of its kind―a bold and urgent move towards social justice through a profound collection of essays featuring Black scholars and experts across economics, education, health, climate, and technology. It speaks to the question "What's next for America?" on the subjects of policy-making, mental health, artificial intelligence, climate movement, the future of work, the LGBTQ community, the criminal legal system, and much more.
Essayists including Dr. Sandy Darity, Dr. Hedwig Lee, Mary Heglar, and Janelle Jones present groundbreaking ideas ranging from Black maternal and infant health to reparations to AI bias to inclusive economic policy, with the potential to uplift and heal not only Black America, but the entire country.
From ongoing reports of police brutality to the disproportionate impact COVID-19 has had on Black Americans, 2020 brought a renewed awareness to the deep-rootedness of racism and white supremacy in every facet of American life.
Edited by Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman, The Black Agenda is the first book of its kind―a bold and urgent move towards social justice through a profound collection of essays featuring Black scholars and experts across economics, education, health, climate, and technology. It speaks to the question "What's next for America?" on the subjects of policy-making, mental health, artificial intelligence, climate movement, the future of work, the LGBTQ community, the criminal legal system, and much more.
Essayists including Dr. Sandy Darity, Dr. Hedwig Lee, Mary Heglar, and Janelle Jones present groundbreaking ideas ranging from Black maternal and infant health to reparations to AI bias to inclusive economic policy, with the potential to uplift and heal not only Black America, but the entire country.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2022
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
April 20, 2022
Black scholars are gathered together to discuss solutions for several areas where Black people are specifically marginalized and underserved. From health care to technology to the environment to the justice system, these are important ideas that should be not just included but centered. Chapters are short, by different scholars in each field, and use a variety of sources - academic and recent news rhetoric, etc. This is the antidote to all the freakouts about CRT.
Thanks for the publisher for providing access through NetGalley.
Thanks for the publisher for providing access through NetGalley.
February 4, 2022
Excellent Book with essays from top leading scholars and individuals working on how to create a more just society. The book is broken into sections: 1) Climate 2) Health Care 3) Education 4) Technology 5) Criminal Justice 6) Economy and 7) Public Policy. It was very thought provoking and addressed many of the obstacles African Americans are facing. If we are to move forward as a society, much can be done, and it is a disservice to all to leave seriously intelligent black men and women out of these discussions and leaving them dismissed. What I liked most about this book is the many people that contributed to it. Yes, the problems caused by racism, sexism, ingrained attitudes are discussed, but it shows that these problems do not have to plague America forever. These scholars are proof of this. There are many diversified ideas presented and it is possible to implement policy and programs that will cause a shift in the imbalance that is disproportionate to African Americans. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a better understanding of how our country functions and those who want to think about solutions. This is a bold book, but one that is needed. I learned a lot of information and think that is always needed.
Thank you NetGalley, Editor Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman, and St. Martin’s Press for providing me a copy of this book.
Thank you NetGalley, Editor Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman, and St. Martin’s Press for providing me a copy of this book.
March 17, 2022
A relevant book in today’s confusing world. What makes this book exceptional is that it is a fabulous collection of essays from the world’s most noted black scholars and experts.
For an in-depth review, please see my video review on my YouTube channel, Robin Loves Reading and All the Things, https://youtu.be/HmCTJS5u4Os
Many thanks to Celedon for this ARC for review. This is my honest review.
For an in-depth review, please see my video review on my YouTube channel, Robin Loves Reading and All the Things, https://youtu.be/HmCTJS5u4Os
Many thanks to Celedon for this ARC for review. This is my honest review.
February 1, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This is amazing. The Black Agenda is an informative and important collection of Black expertise and how the USA can implement changes on all levels of policy to make a better society for everyone.
Divided into sections that organize the individual essays, The Black Agenda covers all major areas where Black expertise is needed and ignored. From the prison industrial complex, education, the COVID pandemic and healthcare, no topic is left unexplored. I found everything to be engaging and well explained. The first section about the environment grabbed me right away and I wanted to highlight everything so I could come back to it.
This is a book many will want to refer back to. It has so many great solutions and strategies to help businesses and governments to divest from white supremacy and invest in the well being of its citizens. The only section I struggled with was the Economy, but that's mostly because I have zero interest in that kind of stuff. I think people who are invested in stocks and the like will find this section particularly enlightening.
Overall, I cannot recommend this enough.
CWs: Racism, police brutality. Moderate: Death, gun violence, hate crime, murder, gaslighting, ableism, mentions of colonisation and stolen land, general queerphobia/queermisia, transphobia/transmisia, mentions of drug addiction specifically the cocaine epidemic and the war on drugs, mentions of pregnancy, mentions of reproductive justice (does specify to women which is reductive and non-inclusive terminology), mentions of medical content in discussions of the health care system.
This is amazing. The Black Agenda is an informative and important collection of Black expertise and how the USA can implement changes on all levels of policy to make a better society for everyone.
Divided into sections that organize the individual essays, The Black Agenda covers all major areas where Black expertise is needed and ignored. From the prison industrial complex, education, the COVID pandemic and healthcare, no topic is left unexplored. I found everything to be engaging and well explained. The first section about the environment grabbed me right away and I wanted to highlight everything so I could come back to it.
This is a book many will want to refer back to. It has so many great solutions and strategies to help businesses and governments to divest from white supremacy and invest in the well being of its citizens. The only section I struggled with was the Economy, but that's mostly because I have zero interest in that kind of stuff. I think people who are invested in stocks and the like will find this section particularly enlightening.
Overall, I cannot recommend this enough.
CWs: Racism, police brutality. Moderate: Death, gun violence, hate crime, murder, gaslighting, ableism, mentions of colonisation and stolen land, general queerphobia/queermisia, transphobia/transmisia, mentions of drug addiction specifically the cocaine epidemic and the war on drugs, mentions of pregnancy, mentions of reproductive justice (does specify to women which is reductive and non-inclusive terminology), mentions of medical content in discussions of the health care system.
February 17, 2022
I wish I had discovered this collection of essays a few weeks ago when I started my American systemic issues research paper -- this is exactly the kind of writing I wanted them to emulate and aim for!
Each essay is a short study of an issue that impacts African Americans in US society. These topics range from the impact of technology, climate, health care, and the justice system. In these pieces, readers are educated about the topic using current research and offered solutions to start making change. While some of the solutions are small, such as changing our perspective, some are much larger like policy change.
In my minimal anti-racist reading, it can be tough to find ways I can feel as if I can make change. Most texts out there help shift the mindset of the reader or attempt to make the reader less ignorant about the topic at hand. While that is certainly necessary, I've been itching for ways to take this work to the next level, and this book provides a few ways to do so.
Content alone, this collection gets high praise -- I will be taking short pieces as exemplars for my students and to use for pre-reading for units that touch upon some of these topics. However, the writing felt repetitive and formulaic, despite the varied number of authors. While I understand it's necessary to follow the same format (define, educate, call to action), many of the essays used the same transition structure (first, second, lastly), which made it difficult to be engaged in the writing style throughout.
I learned a lot from this text, and I'm hopeful that some of these authors are planning deep dives into the topics of their essays in this book so I can read even more!
Each essay is a short study of an issue that impacts African Americans in US society. These topics range from the impact of technology, climate, health care, and the justice system. In these pieces, readers are educated about the topic using current research and offered solutions to start making change. While some of the solutions are small, such as changing our perspective, some are much larger like policy change.
In my minimal anti-racist reading, it can be tough to find ways I can feel as if I can make change. Most texts out there help shift the mindset of the reader or attempt to make the reader less ignorant about the topic at hand. While that is certainly necessary, I've been itching for ways to take this work to the next level, and this book provides a few ways to do so.
Content alone, this collection gets high praise -- I will be taking short pieces as exemplars for my students and to use for pre-reading for units that touch upon some of these topics. However, the writing felt repetitive and formulaic, despite the varied number of authors. While I understand it's necessary to follow the same format (define, educate, call to action), many of the essays used the same transition structure (first, second, lastly), which made it difficult to be engaged in the writing style throughout.
I learned a lot from this text, and I'm hopeful that some of these authors are planning deep dives into the topics of their essays in this book so I can read even more!
October 28, 2021
i received an advanced copy of The Black Agenda from NetGalley. this review is not sponsored.
The Black Agenda centers experts in their respective fields - ranging from Policy to Health Care to Economics to Criminal Justice, and beyond, to examine the current state of affairs, with an emphasis on highlighting the work being done “in house.” it seems The Black Agenda is supposed to act as a sort of up-to-date manual for reference when investing our individual and collective resources to effect change for ourselves and our communities. in that, intersectional models and frameworks are presented for use. The Black Agenda does an excellent job showcasing Black experts who are pushing the discourse forward, in many areas, to ultimately usher in a world where the humanity of Black people is fully realized. i felt particularly galvanized into action by the piece titled “Queer as in Abolishing the Police” by Preston Mitchum.
Excellent read and excellent starting place to learn solutions to decades long multilayered oppression Black people have lived under and for a sneak peak into what we intend to do about it.
The Black Agenda centers experts in their respective fields - ranging from Policy to Health Care to Economics to Criminal Justice, and beyond, to examine the current state of affairs, with an emphasis on highlighting the work being done “in house.” it seems The Black Agenda is supposed to act as a sort of up-to-date manual for reference when investing our individual and collective resources to effect change for ourselves and our communities. in that, intersectional models and frameworks are presented for use. The Black Agenda does an excellent job showcasing Black experts who are pushing the discourse forward, in many areas, to ultimately usher in a world where the humanity of Black people is fully realized. i felt particularly galvanized into action by the piece titled “Queer as in Abolishing the Police” by Preston Mitchum.
Excellent read and excellent starting place to learn solutions to decades long multilayered oppression Black people have lived under and for a sneak peak into what we intend to do about it.
May 19, 2023
5✨
It's been a while since I've felt so affirmed in my decision to go back to school and get an MPH. I absolutely love hearing from Black intellectuals and this collection of thought-provoking and absolutely spine-tingling essays from leading scholars just set me off like a top. This idea that a more just society is possible and here are a few highly feasible recommendations for how is my kind of read. Ranging from climate to health care to tech and criminal justice, policy, and more. I mean the full gambit. Every single aspect of society in the US has been touched by racism. Every single corner needs the liberation of Black folks to be just not just for us but for everyone. And nothing of serious consequence can be done without listening to these voices and the several other voices of Black leaders and scholars. Nothing of serious consequence can be done without putting Black people in positions of power.
100% recommend this read, so good, so powerful. So many incredible voices, so many big thoughts so well articulated. I couldn't get enough.
—
✍🏽 Follow me on Goodreads for more reviews like this!
📚 Instagram: @whataprilreads
🐝 Keep tabs on me here, so you know when I start a new project! https://linktr.ee/whataprilreads
It's been a while since I've felt so affirmed in my decision to go back to school and get an MPH. I absolutely love hearing from Black intellectuals and this collection of thought-provoking and absolutely spine-tingling essays from leading scholars just set me off like a top. This idea that a more just society is possible and here are a few highly feasible recommendations for how is my kind of read. Ranging from climate to health care to tech and criminal justice, policy, and more. I mean the full gambit. Every single aspect of society in the US has been touched by racism. Every single corner needs the liberation of Black folks to be just not just for us but for everyone. And nothing of serious consequence can be done without listening to these voices and the several other voices of Black leaders and scholars. Nothing of serious consequence can be done without putting Black people in positions of power.
100% recommend this read, so good, so powerful. So many incredible voices, so many big thoughts so well articulated. I couldn't get enough.
—
✍🏽 Follow me on Goodreads for more reviews like this!
📚 Instagram: @whataprilreads
🐝 Keep tabs on me here, so you know when I start a new project! https://linktr.ee/whataprilreads
July 12, 2023
An excellent collection of essays on racism and much more. I didn’t agree with all of the (namely the more radical) suggestions made by some authors, but that’s okay. There’s a lot of very thoughtful writing here by thought leaders, professionals and scholars. 5 stars.
February 10, 2022
The word "agenda" sounds nefarious as though this book might outline some evil plot. As stated in the last section of the book: "In a way, The Black Agenda is one big policy proposal inclusive of bold ideas as told through the lens of Black experts, communicators, activists, and organizers." I couldn't say it better myself. These bold ideas are in the cause of providing equity and equality to Black Americans who are still living with overt, passive, and systemic racism. A collection of essays (that felt like speeches) on topics such as Climate, Health Care, Wellness, Education, Technology, Criminal Justice, Economy, and Public Policy, this book would make a great DEI book club read as none of the presentations go very deep into substance but all feel like excellent conversation starters. Many provide a list of Works Cited and I feel like a group could explore each topic individually by starting with this book and its ideas and following up with the other works. In fact, I only read one section at a time and let it sit with me before moving on to the next one. Additionally, I liked the inclusion of how the pandemic has singularly impacted communities of color. Our country's "return to normal" needs to be a new normal and this book helps provide a pathway to that.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
September 5, 2022
I see so many problems but I don't see any solutions. I know I need to do better. And this collection of essays was everything I'd hoped it would be. It's broken out in to sections, each with a short and easily readable essay that gave interesting perspective and voice to issues going on today. I was surprised how fast it was to read, how easily the message was relayed and how much I felt like I got out of it. Such a great collection and one I feel like I could re-read and still get new information out of.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Read
February 28, 2023Forward by Tressie McMillan Cottom and the Editor's Introduction explains the vital need for bringing to the foreground Black experts, especially black women experts in fields such as economics and climate change.
Part I: Climate
Marshall Shepherd: People of color are disproportionally affected by climate change, and Black experts in STEM need to be central voices for research and policy for change, which benefits all.
Abigail Abhaer Adekunbi Thomas: How intersectionality, pollution, climate change, and prison abolition are connected.
Mary Annoise Heglar: Environmentalists arguing that climate affects all lives end up whitewashing the way that climate change effects Blacks disproportionally.
arii lynton-smith explains the common methods and aims of queer theory and Black liberation ideology and how both can be applied to climate change.
Part II: Health Care
Dara D. Mendez & Jewel Scott: The C19 pandemic brought to the foreground the inequities in society that make POC more likely to suffer illness and death. This essay suggests ways rooted in praxis (theory and action in a dialectic) to examine inequities and address them. One suggestion is a R4P approach: Remove, Repair, Restructure, Remediate, and Provide.
Monica R. McLemore: Three approaches are suggested to address racism and inequity in healthcare of Blacks due in part to underrepresentation in health workers. High mortality rates for black mothers giving birth is one specific case mentioned. The three approaches are 1. new models that bring in stakeholders from Black communities 2. theoretical models based in justice 3. health reparations, including investing in STEM programs for Blacks in the US.
Yolanda Y. Wilson: A lot of Black women function as unpaid caregivers for family members, and this puts a huge burden on them and their family systems. The US could do as other countries do and pay family caregivers a living wage. Also, it's vital for Black women to get support for education so that caregiving does not keep them underemployed or unemployed.
Part III Wellness
Jaime Slaughter-Acey. I had no idea that it's not just race, education, and income but skin color that effects outcomes for maternal and infant health. Prejudice like this is so stupid, it compounds the tragedy. (Not that there is logical prejudice. But there is stupid, so very stupid, prejudice.)
Tinu Abayomi-Paul. The US needs to make health care more accessible to all citizens, but black disabled women face an intersectionality that denies them--in particular--accommodations and healthcare. And then they are persecuted as if they are choosing this instead of being victimized by this.
Jevey Grooms describes the disparity in mental health care services because Black Americans have lower rates of being insured for s variety of systemic reasons.
Ashlee Wisdom notes that the "U.S. health care system was built on the bodies of Black women, but not designed for Black Women" (p. 85). She describes organizations striving to address health inequities bug notes that not all Black women have access to this growing body of information.
Part IV Education
Carycruz M. Bueno & Cruz Caridad Bueno describe how virtual schooling has exaggerated inequities for black (and brown) students: less study space, less access to the internet on quality devices, etc. The essay suggests policies to improve outcomes, such as having more Black teachers and better training for teachers to eradicate bias, such as labeling Black girls as bad at math, etc.
Laruen Mims. This article defines stereotypes that hold Black girls back and makes suggestions for how schools can promote Black brilliance, particularly for Black girls (changing dress codes, inviting diversity, training teachers to respond with more encouragement and positivity, etc.)
S. Mia Obivo & Francheska Starks elaborate on the values of giving children (especially Black children) more access to books that depict Black characters and Black stories. (I WHOLEHEARTEDLY AGREE!)
Kristen E. Broady makes a very valid point about the need to help educate more Black Americans so that they can have good jobs considering that many jobs at threat for being automated are held by Blacks at a higher than average rate. HBCU's need more robust funding to help prepare Black workers for this sea change of automation to our economy.
Fenaba R. Addo. Oh, this is BRILLIANT! Loan forgiveness for Black students is a great way for the US to work on reparations for slavery and systemic racism. What a great idea. This article details the problem of debt burden on Blacks and the higher rate of enrollment in for-profit colleges before making some suggestions about debt forgiveness.
Part V Technology
Deborah Raji describes the resistance that tech giants have to being accountable for how AI (and other technologies) do not recognize the Black experience, including literally not recognizing--with the same accuracy as white faces--Black faces with facial recognition software.
Brandeis Marshall points out the harm that AI has to Black people / communities and how conversations about this have not been productive. He ends with a call for more Black people in tech to help address the need for AI to be more nuanced, inclusive, and sensitive to diversity.
Jordan Harrod was a little too technical for me, but it talks about the problem AI has with algorithmic fairness in the field of NLP (natural language processing).
Part VI Criminal Justice
Jamein Cunningham shares research on how diversity among police officers decreases police violence/problems with citizens of all races.
Tahir Ducket points out that the US high rate of incarceration does not reduce crime as much as expected. Other organizations such as mental health care should be deployed in places where arrests snd jail time are now used.,
Hedwig "Hedy" Lee describes the hardships Black woken face because of the high rates of incarceration of Black men.
Preston Mitchum describes how queer Black property are often criminalized.
Part VII Economy
Karl David Boulware recessions effect Blacks more than whites as does unemployment.
Kyle K. Moore describes how long standing racism stratifies Black Americans into poverty at a disproportionate rate and how hard it is to transform an economy saturated with racism.
Angela Hanks and Janelle Jones describe obstacles Black women fave and how an organization named Black Women Best is addressing inequities.
Part VIII Public Policy
Cliff Albright describes the vital need to expand and protect voting rights for Black people.
Dania V. Francis calls for experts in Black public policy.
Olugbenga Ajilore calls for greater recognition of the needs of rural Blacks.
William "Sandy" Darity, Jr. Looks toward the future and the need for an economic bill of rights for job security, access to the Internet, public health insurance and more.
August 10, 2022
I was provided an arc of this book via netgalley, however I opted to listen to the final production version of the audiobook. As always all opinions expressed are my own. I believe each contribution is narrated by the author. I always enjoy listening to non-fiction articles such as these narrated by their authors, especially in the case of those penned by activists, professionals, and professors who are passionate and experts on the topic.
I thought this was a well put together compilation of various contributors to discuss the racial inequities that exist today. Many of the articles call into context inequity that exists through the COVID-19 pandemic and gives examples of racial inequity that have existed throughout the history of the United States. I picked this book up from Netgalley to learn, and this book brings up some great points. I especially enjoyed the sections about healthcare and education. I enjoyed all of the chapters that backed their positions with data, as a data driven person it is easier for me to understand any topic when numbers are provided to support the commentary. While I don't agree with all of the solutions proposed by the contributors, I'm open to listening and learning about solutions that solve the various issues mentioned in the book. I wholeheartedly agree that these issues need solutions and there is no reason that education, healthcare, employment and the many other topics discussed in this book should be influenced by a persons skin color, or any other perceived difference. As a society, I am ashamed that this is still an issue, but alas humanity is still very ugly.
Overall I think this was a good read. It was a nice mix of articles that covered a broad range of topics with contributors from different backgrounds and varied expertise. I would have liked more data to be included, but if this book drives me to do more research on a certain topic to get more data then I think the book did it's job.
I thought this was a well put together compilation of various contributors to discuss the racial inequities that exist today. Many of the articles call into context inequity that exists through the COVID-19 pandemic and gives examples of racial inequity that have existed throughout the history of the United States. I picked this book up from Netgalley to learn, and this book brings up some great points. I especially enjoyed the sections about healthcare and education. I enjoyed all of the chapters that backed their positions with data, as a data driven person it is easier for me to understand any topic when numbers are provided to support the commentary. While I don't agree with all of the solutions proposed by the contributors, I'm open to listening and learning about solutions that solve the various issues mentioned in the book. I wholeheartedly agree that these issues need solutions and there is no reason that education, healthcare, employment and the many other topics discussed in this book should be influenced by a persons skin color, or any other perceived difference. As a society, I am ashamed that this is still an issue, but alas humanity is still very ugly.
Overall I think this was a good read. It was a nice mix of articles that covered a broad range of topics with contributors from different backgrounds and varied expertise. I would have liked more data to be included, but if this book drives me to do more research on a certain topic to get more data then I think the book did it's job.
January 11, 2022
The Black Agenda, a compilation of essays by Black authors, is a wake-up call for all who wish to be allies. All too often, well-meaning allies think they know what minorities need. We need to keep our mouths closed and our thoughts to ourselves and look to the real experts in the field instead.
This book provides the guidance we need. Black scholars, advocates, and visionaries delineate the problems and solutions from an authentic point of view. We need to take the time to read and listen. This will lead to better understanding and help us become better allies. True allies don't just march a few times in protest. They make expanding their knowledge and understanding a life-long practice.
This book provides the guidance we need. Black scholars, advocates, and visionaries delineate the problems and solutions from an authentic point of view. We need to take the time to read and listen. This will lead to better understanding and help us become better allies. True allies don't just march a few times in protest. They make expanding their knowledge and understanding a life-long practice.
April 24, 2022
This book contains a variety of essays from a variety of people across the black diaspora, that bring to light a variety of issues that plague us as African Americans. Each essay was eye opening, thought provoking and enlightening. This was such a powerful read that is definitely one of those books that need to be read by all.
I received a copy of the book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.
I received a copy of the book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.
April 25, 2022
Very rare to have a book with SO MANY CONCRETE SOLUTIONS to so many issues spread across various industries - really enjoyed reading this
November 20, 2021
I received a physical advanced copy through a GoodReads giveaway - thank you to the publisher and GoodReads for being a hosting platform.
I am from a very rural, very white area where I have not been exposed to Black culture or struggles outside of what I see portrayed in the media. Many of these essays were eye-opening for me. I want to specifically commend Olugbenga Ajilore's "The Black Belt: America's Black Rural South," as it was a very thorough examination that read extremely smoothly. I recommend this book for anyone working on policy issues, studying social sciences, or those who just have an interest in what Black experts have to say. Overall, I enjoyed this read and found it flowed easier than I expected it to.
My only complaints would be that some of the essays take on the perspective of having a knowledgeable audience and the inclusion of a spare typo here and there. With the help of Google and the ability to overlook small typos, these did not present any problem. Ideally, I would have liked if the book included some more explanation on terms that are not common knowledge as not everyone reading the essays may have the ability to search the terms.
I am from a very rural, very white area where I have not been exposed to Black culture or struggles outside of what I see portrayed in the media. Many of these essays were eye-opening for me. I want to specifically commend Olugbenga Ajilore's "The Black Belt: America's Black Rural South," as it was a very thorough examination that read extremely smoothly. I recommend this book for anyone working on policy issues, studying social sciences, or those who just have an interest in what Black experts have to say. Overall, I enjoyed this read and found it flowed easier than I expected it to.
My only complaints would be that some of the essays take on the perspective of having a knowledgeable audience and the inclusion of a spare typo here and there. With the help of Google and the ability to overlook small typos, these did not present any problem. Ideally, I would have liked if the book included some more explanation on terms that are not common knowledge as not everyone reading the essays may have the ability to search the terms.
January 7, 2022
This book is an intelligent collection of articles regarding subjects that have been and are currently under-served in black communities. I found it thoughtful and wide-reaching in its scope; covering subjects such as climate change, diversity, disabilities, infant health, education, etc.
I suggest reading the book before reading the editor's introduction, which had a negative tone that the rest of the book lacked. The subject was covered at the end of the book quite well, and honestly, I feel that it will turn away many otherwise open-minded and interested people who deserve the opportunity to know more about the more pressing (and less divisive) subjects.
Most of these subjects were not new to me, but the way they were approached--especially climate change and technology in healthcare--were a little surprising. These subjects (among others) have not been adequately addressed on a national or local level. Over all, this is an important collection of work, and well worth the read. I'm glad I was given the opportunity!
4/5 Stars
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the free preview of this book!
#TheBlackAgenda #NetGalley
Note to the publishers: I suggest including the editor's "introduction" to the last section of the book, or deleting it. As I said, the subject is well covered in the main text.
I suggest reading the book before reading the editor's introduction, which had a negative tone that the rest of the book lacked. The subject was covered at the end of the book quite well, and honestly, I feel that it will turn away many otherwise open-minded and interested people who deserve the opportunity to know more about the more pressing (and less divisive) subjects.
Most of these subjects were not new to me, but the way they were approached--especially climate change and technology in healthcare--were a little surprising. These subjects (among others) have not been adequately addressed on a national or local level. Over all, this is an important collection of work, and well worth the read. I'm glad I was given the opportunity!
4/5 Stars
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the free preview of this book!
#TheBlackAgenda #NetGalley
Note to the publishers: I suggest including the editor's "introduction" to the last section of the book, or deleting it. As I said, the subject is well covered in the main text.
April 23, 2022
I enjoyed listening to this but a lot of it felt like woke gobbledygook. It was difficult to interact with the ideas due to the vocabulary used and the way ideas were framed. I found the section on algorithms and technology the most interesting as I knew the least about it.
I've become very skeptical of the solutions offered in this book as I've watched certain movements play out, such as Defund the Police, BLM, criminal justice reform, 1619 Project, and Anti-Racism, to name a few. The contributors to this book have dedicated their lives to helping the less fortunate but I have trouble uniting with them as I can't agree with their worldviews in many instances.
Despite my disagreements I did enjoy reading it and plan on exploring the genre more.
I've become very skeptical of the solutions offered in this book as I've watched certain movements play out, such as Defund the Police, BLM, criminal justice reform, 1619 Project, and Anti-Racism, to name a few. The contributors to this book have dedicated their lives to helping the less fortunate but I have trouble uniting with them as I can't agree with their worldviews in many instances.
Despite my disagreements I did enjoy reading it and plan on exploring the genre more.
March 7, 2022
This was a very thought provoking book. I picked it up based on an interview with the editor on NPR not really knowing what to expect but seeking to learn something and get some other perspectives. It succeeded in both.
I was a bit disappointed that, despite the subtitle, there are very few specifics offered though that should not be a surprise given our history. Like any essay collection some resonated with me more than others. The format makes it easy to read in small bites though I read 2/3 of it on one plane trip.
I was a bit disappointed that, despite the subtitle, there are very few specifics offered though that should not be a surprise given our history. Like any essay collection some resonated with me more than others. The format makes it easy to read in small bites though I read 2/3 of it on one plane trip.
October 8, 2021
The Black Agenda: Bold Solutions for a Broken System, edited by Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman, presents not just ideas toward solving many problems we face but a transformative and overlooked perspective on these problems.
Many of the problems that we face as a society adversely affect communities of color yet their voices are seldom heard and never centered. To such an extent that these issues are almost ignored even within those communities most affected. This book serves as a step toward correcting this.
While I found the essays very interesting and the ideas for solving problems important, it isn't the main thing I took away from the book. I think just as valuable is raising the awareness, both within communities of color as well as within the specialized areas of knowledge that work on these problems, that these are civil rights issues. Black voices, whether scientists within those fields or activists in the communities, need to make sure they are heard and centered. I know some people think that centering Black voices means neglecting other voices, but the center doesn't have to be as small as it currently is. The groups most affected should have a bigger voice.
Having made that point, I want to also emphasize that these essays work very well toward bringing people into the issues. They are short, to the point, and accessibly written. Each has a works cited page so readers can delve deeper into the area(s) they feel they can be most effective in. I think by keeping the essays short and focused they are more welcoming for those of us ignorant of many of the fields involved.
This book works very well as a source of knowledge and information so the reader can better understand what needs to be done. But I think of it more as a call to action, for the reader to work to make the change needed and not simply better understand what needs doing.
I would recommend this to anyone who wants society to be better in every way for every person. I particularly recommend this to people in communities of color who might wonder why some issues they think of as distant are much closer to home than they think. I also believe those experts in these fields need to read this and understand that the status quo is not, and really never was, working or sufficient.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
Many of the problems that we face as a society adversely affect communities of color yet their voices are seldom heard and never centered. To such an extent that these issues are almost ignored even within those communities most affected. This book serves as a step toward correcting this.
While I found the essays very interesting and the ideas for solving problems important, it isn't the main thing I took away from the book. I think just as valuable is raising the awareness, both within communities of color as well as within the specialized areas of knowledge that work on these problems, that these are civil rights issues. Black voices, whether scientists within those fields or activists in the communities, need to make sure they are heard and centered. I know some people think that centering Black voices means neglecting other voices, but the center doesn't have to be as small as it currently is. The groups most affected should have a bigger voice.
Having made that point, I want to also emphasize that these essays work very well toward bringing people into the issues. They are short, to the point, and accessibly written. Each has a works cited page so readers can delve deeper into the area(s) they feel they can be most effective in. I think by keeping the essays short and focused they are more welcoming for those of us ignorant of many of the fields involved.
This book works very well as a source of knowledge and information so the reader can better understand what needs to be done. But I think of it more as a call to action, for the reader to work to make the change needed and not simply better understand what needs doing.
I would recommend this to anyone who wants society to be better in every way for every person. I particularly recommend this to people in communities of color who might wonder why some issues they think of as distant are much closer to home than they think. I also believe those experts in these fields need to read this and understand that the status quo is not, and really never was, working or sufficient.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
January 6, 2022
THE BLACK AGENDA isn't casual reading. Every one of these chapters reads like a journal article, so adjust your expectations accordingly. At one point the editor describes the book as a "big policy proposal inclusive of bold ideas as told through the lens of Black experts, communicators, activists, and organizers," and I think that's a pretty good description.
The book focuses on eight areas that need our attention if we really want a more equitable society: climate, health care, wellness, education, tech, criminal justice, economy, and public policy. Each section has three to five essays written by different experts offering perspective, history, suggestions, or even just wishes for change. Initially, I thought the book was more focused on fantasy "wish lists" and too vague on concrete changes we can make to push our country in a more fair and inclusive direction. But I was wrong. The more specific advice is there if you take the the time to dig in. I could write synopses of each chapter, but meh. Instead I'll list my favorite takeaways.
Black women are still being ignored in the BLM movement. We talk about men who are killed or incarcerated, but do we lift up and support the women and families who are left behind? Great point.
I had no idea that racism and bias was a problem in tech and especially Artificial Intelligence. Even something as simple as facial recognition software not being as "intelligent" with the details of brown skin vs. peach skin can be harmful--if police are looking for a suspect, but the suspect looks like "any brown man," then suddenly an entire community of innocent people become suspicious.
Some concrete action steps that could decrease inequality:
--expand Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act and/or consider national health insurance
--increase investment in infrastructure
--support unionization among workers, especially workers in the care professions
--increase the minimum wage for disabled and tipped workers
--consider a public banking system
--provide free broadband services (this feels key to me)
--forgive student loan debts for people under a certain income level
THE BLACK AGENDA is a dense and detailed read, but if you put in the time and focus, there's a lot of good perspective, hope, and advice within these pages.
The book focuses on eight areas that need our attention if we really want a more equitable society: climate, health care, wellness, education, tech, criminal justice, economy, and public policy. Each section has three to five essays written by different experts offering perspective, history, suggestions, or even just wishes for change. Initially, I thought the book was more focused on fantasy "wish lists" and too vague on concrete changes we can make to push our country in a more fair and inclusive direction. But I was wrong. The more specific advice is there if you take the the time to dig in. I could write synopses of each chapter, but meh. Instead I'll list my favorite takeaways.
Black women are still being ignored in the BLM movement. We talk about men who are killed or incarcerated, but do we lift up and support the women and families who are left behind? Great point.
I had no idea that racism and bias was a problem in tech and especially Artificial Intelligence. Even something as simple as facial recognition software not being as "intelligent" with the details of brown skin vs. peach skin can be harmful--if police are looking for a suspect, but the suspect looks like "any brown man," then suddenly an entire community of innocent people become suspicious.
Some concrete action steps that could decrease inequality:
--expand Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act and/or consider national health insurance
--increase investment in infrastructure
--support unionization among workers, especially workers in the care professions
--increase the minimum wage for disabled and tipped workers
--consider a public banking system
--provide free broadband services (this feels key to me)
--forgive student loan debts for people under a certain income level
THE BLACK AGENDA is a dense and detailed read, but if you put in the time and focus, there's a lot of good perspective, hope, and advice within these pages.
January 24, 2022
The Black Agenda by Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman is one that I was not aware of and have not seen much about it. I know that will be changing once this book is published! This is a collection of essays presented by various researchers in their fields of study. As written in the Forward, this book offers "...solutions that aim to transform our country while proposing ways to uproot systemic racism" while honoring Black identity. The essay topics include Climate, Health care, wellness, education, technology, criminal justice, economy, and public policy. One of my favorite parts discusses children's literature.. "The value of Black children's literature is that it holds the power to encourage and influence all children to think and act in ways that value individual and cultural identities and to respect differences among people." Powerful statement! This is an important book to start, continue and further the conversation to find a way to forward the conversation in our world. Make sure you do not skip the Forward and the Introduction as they both set the stage and frame your thinking as you read the essays. Very thought provoking book that will be a great addition to my office bookshelf! Perfect for high school students too! Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. Highly recommend this book!
February 3, 2022
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley, and I’m leaving an honest review.*
Wow! This book is packed full of information from Black experts across a variety of fields. I’m still digesting everything I read and will honestly probably need to reread at least one or two more times to process. Everyone should pick this book up; no matter how “woke” you think you are, Black experts need to be included in the discussions on combatting racism in every aspect of society, and we should all be listening to them more and using our voices to amplify theirs. So many important points brought to light and solutions proposed. It can be daunting to consider all the work that needs to be done in our country, but the contributors articulate detailed actions that we should work towards. This book isn’t an exhaustive list of areas that need to be addressed, but it gives a broader range than most and really emphasizes the intersection of race and key areas like climate change, healthcare, education, etc. Additional resources for further reading are also provided. I should also note the timeliness and relevance of the content; the most recent date I remember reading was August 2021, so the contributors were able to incorporate very recent events (pandemic, recent elections and congressional votes, etc.) into their solutions and commentary.
Wow! This book is packed full of information from Black experts across a variety of fields. I’m still digesting everything I read and will honestly probably need to reread at least one or two more times to process. Everyone should pick this book up; no matter how “woke” you think you are, Black experts need to be included in the discussions on combatting racism in every aspect of society, and we should all be listening to them more and using our voices to amplify theirs. So many important points brought to light and solutions proposed. It can be daunting to consider all the work that needs to be done in our country, but the contributors articulate detailed actions that we should work towards. This book isn’t an exhaustive list of areas that need to be addressed, but it gives a broader range than most and really emphasizes the intersection of race and key areas like climate change, healthcare, education, etc. Additional resources for further reading are also provided. I should also note the timeliness and relevance of the content; the most recent date I remember reading was August 2021, so the contributors were able to incorporate very recent events (pandemic, recent elections and congressional votes, etc.) into their solutions and commentary.
March 21, 2022
4.5 stars
This was a very strong collection of essays by multiple experts in their field, each of whom is people of color. Each essay is fairly short, and most are on the scholarly side, but they hit the essential points for how we should approach changing the system in very practical ways, that would have a long-lasting, positive impact, not just for people of color, but on our country as a whole. Some of the essays were easier for me to follow than others, partly because I was more versed in the topic (for example on incarceration and its effect on black women and on black communities), having read other works that address similar issues. What distinguishes this book from others is the wide range of topics that they cover and the incredible wealth of knowledge represented by each of the writers. This is a book that should absolutely be studied in the classroom, and read by policymakers at all levels. But it is not the answer to everything--rather it is a very good starting point. I highly recommend this book to those seeking to learn practical ways we can help change things for the better.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a very strong collection of essays by multiple experts in their field, each of whom is people of color. Each essay is fairly short, and most are on the scholarly side, but they hit the essential points for how we should approach changing the system in very practical ways, that would have a long-lasting, positive impact, not just for people of color, but on our country as a whole. Some of the essays were easier for me to follow than others, partly because I was more versed in the topic (for example on incarceration and its effect on black women and on black communities), having read other works that address similar issues. What distinguishes this book from others is the wide range of topics that they cover and the incredible wealth of knowledge represented by each of the writers. This is a book that should absolutely be studied in the classroom, and read by policymakers at all levels. But it is not the answer to everything--rather it is a very good starting point. I highly recommend this book to those seeking to learn practical ways we can help change things for the better.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 30, 2022
This is a short book packed with great information and recommendations. Each essay is written by a Black expert in the given field. The wide variety of fields covered (including climate, technology, education, health care, economics, incarceration) shows the breadth of the problem. The essays are more scholarly than op-eds (they have bibliographies and somewhat jargon-y vocab) but they are still accessible. My one complaint is that the essays are short but I think the book is just meant as a starting point rather than exhaustive policy recommendations. What I most appreciate is that these experts imagine much more creative solutions that the impoverished two-party battle lines currently drawn around the issues, much more than the caricatured backlash claims about the agenda of BLM.
From the editor's acknowledgements: "The Black Agenda offers several places to start and tens of people to learn from. The book provides the kind of hope one experiences in the midst of a successful movement or right after hearing 'The Hill We Climb' from the indomitable Amanda Gorman. If even an ounce of what is shared in these pages is considered and implemented, I know that our country, our world, in the present and in the future, will be better off. So here's to progress - may it come soon."
From the editor's acknowledgements: "The Black Agenda offers several places to start and tens of people to learn from. The book provides the kind of hope one experiences in the midst of a successful movement or right after hearing 'The Hill We Climb' from the indomitable Amanda Gorman. If even an ounce of what is shared in these pages is considered and implemented, I know that our country, our world, in the present and in the future, will be better off. So here's to progress - may it come soon."
March 5, 2023
No one wants a meritocracy more than Black people. Despite their attempts to elevate their earned status to override their inherited status, they embody a lower status due to race and/or class. Whiteness needs them. The body politic needs them. It is not going to be possible to make it without Black experts' perspectives, without their forms of expertise, which means that the next step for honoring Black expertise should be much more than just increasing representation and diversity of voices in the room. And how do we achieve that? We achieve that by following the guidelines outlined in this book.
Furthermore, we need to ask ourselves: what good is hyperawareness of a problem without any solutions to address the problem, or, at the very least, solutions to help us better navigate an inequitable system (be it health, education, judicial system)?
Therefore, this book is important as it offers tangible solutions, which target equity-deserving groups in-need, offered by Black researchers, doctors, designers, and academics. These solutions are focused on issues surrounding:
-Climate,
-Health Care,
-Wellness,
-Education,
-Technology,
-Criminal Justice,
-Economy, and
-Public Policy.
There are two epic essays in this book that I wish everyone would read immediately:
1. The Carceral System Has No Future by Tahir Duckett.
The carceral system offers nothing to rectify the social circumstances (e.g., trauma, scarcity, addictions, and other illnesses) that most often lead to criminal behavioral in the first place. What is more, evidence continues to accumulate that our approach to policing and incarceration actually can make use less safe.
2. Queer As In Abolishing The Police: Criminal Justice And Black LGBTQ People by Preston Mitchum.
Gay, lesbian, and bisexual people are 2.25 times more likely to be arrested than straight people. The disparity is heightened when the research is narrowed down to lesbian and bisexual individuals, who are four times as likely to be arrested than straight women.
Furthermore, as a fellow economist, I was also blown away by the collection of essays Dr. Gifty Opoku-Agyeman included in her section on Economy. Particularly, The Case For Stratification Economics by Kyle K. Moore, is crucial.
"We need new economic principles, one that offer something better than the false scarcity narratives that have made all of us sicker and poorer while enriching the wealthy, white few-- who have been able to use their positions of power to make the deliberate policy choices that brought us to where we are." -- Kyle K. Moore.
Furthermore, we need to ask ourselves: what good is hyperawareness of a problem without any solutions to address the problem, or, at the very least, solutions to help us better navigate an inequitable system (be it health, education, judicial system)?
Therefore, this book is important as it offers tangible solutions, which target equity-deserving groups in-need, offered by Black researchers, doctors, designers, and academics. These solutions are focused on issues surrounding:
-Climate,
-Health Care,
-Wellness,
-Education,
-Technology,
-Criminal Justice,
-Economy, and
-Public Policy.
There are two epic essays in this book that I wish everyone would read immediately:
1. The Carceral System Has No Future by Tahir Duckett.
The carceral system offers nothing to rectify the social circumstances (e.g., trauma, scarcity, addictions, and other illnesses) that most often lead to criminal behavioral in the first place. What is more, evidence continues to accumulate that our approach to policing and incarceration actually can make use less safe.
2. Queer As In Abolishing The Police: Criminal Justice And Black LGBTQ People by Preston Mitchum.
Gay, lesbian, and bisexual people are 2.25 times more likely to be arrested than straight people. The disparity is heightened when the research is narrowed down to lesbian and bisexual individuals, who are four times as likely to be arrested than straight women.
Furthermore, as a fellow economist, I was also blown away by the collection of essays Dr. Gifty Opoku-Agyeman included in her section on Economy. Particularly, The Case For Stratification Economics by Kyle K. Moore, is crucial.
"We need new economic principles, one that offer something better than the false scarcity narratives that have made all of us sicker and poorer while enriching the wealthy, white few-- who have been able to use their positions of power to make the deliberate policy choices that brought us to where we are." -- Kyle K. Moore.
January 27, 2022
I received an ARC from the publisher and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
This is a fabulous essay collection highlighting important issues across several different areas in society where Black people experience barriers due to systemic racism. While I was familiar with some issues, like the fight for voting rights, and the way the COVID-19 pandemic as impacted the Black community, I appreciated deeper insight into those topics, as well others I did not consider, like the climate crisis. I also appreciate the diversity of the voices showcased, and how the essayists bring different experiences to the table as a result. The experiences shared by Tinu Abayomi-Paul about being a Black disabled woman spoke to me, as I’m also disabled, and I was struck by the similarities in the things she discussed that impacted her and what I had experienced, but also how the additional factor of her also being Black adds to the marginalization, especially with the way certain token Black women have been put on pedestals as examples of excellence.
This collection is fabulous, and I would absolutely recommend it.
This is a fabulous essay collection highlighting important issues across several different areas in society where Black people experience barriers due to systemic racism. While I was familiar with some issues, like the fight for voting rights, and the way the COVID-19 pandemic as impacted the Black community, I appreciated deeper insight into those topics, as well others I did not consider, like the climate crisis. I also appreciate the diversity of the voices showcased, and how the essayists bring different experiences to the table as a result. The experiences shared by Tinu Abayomi-Paul about being a Black disabled woman spoke to me, as I’m also disabled, and I was struck by the similarities in the things she discussed that impacted her and what I had experienced, but also how the additional factor of her also being Black adds to the marginalization, especially with the way certain token Black women have been put on pedestals as examples of excellence.
This collection is fabulous, and I would absolutely recommend it.
March 13, 2022
Everyone needs to read this book.
This book is amazing. It is a collection of essays from black scholarly researchers, activists, and advocates for change who have dedicated years looking into the socioeconomic disparity between black folk in America and their racial kinfolk. From climate change to healthcare to the criminal justice system to public policy and many more, this book covers the many avenues in which blacks are disenfranchised, and proposes bold and tactful solutions to mitigate these challenges. Even though this book is at a collegiate reading level, it is a must read for everyone, especially for black youth in secondary and post-secondary institutions pursuing careers pivotal to the revolutionary change proposed in this book. I recommend for those who want a book with a slightly easier reading level, to read "How to Be an AntiRacist" by Ibram X Kendi.
A big kudos to the author for writing and putting this book together, and a big kudos to everyone who was involved in its publication! I have a good feeling this will live in libraries and future college curriculum.
This book is amazing. It is a collection of essays from black scholarly researchers, activists, and advocates for change who have dedicated years looking into the socioeconomic disparity between black folk in America and their racial kinfolk. From climate change to healthcare to the criminal justice system to public policy and many more, this book covers the many avenues in which blacks are disenfranchised, and proposes bold and tactful solutions to mitigate these challenges. Even though this book is at a collegiate reading level, it is a must read for everyone, especially for black youth in secondary and post-secondary institutions pursuing careers pivotal to the revolutionary change proposed in this book. I recommend for those who want a book with a slightly easier reading level, to read "How to Be an AntiRacist" by Ibram X Kendi.
A big kudos to the author for writing and putting this book together, and a big kudos to everyone who was involved in its publication! I have a good feeling this will live in libraries and future college curriculum.
January 7, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book. All opinions in this book are my own.
This book is absolutely amazing. I don't know if amazing is the right word, but I had a hard time putting this book down because I just wanted to keep reading it and learn more and more. I feel like I am not uninformed about many of these topics, because of the massive privilege I have of having gone on through a lot of higher education that placed a large emphasis on multicultural competencies and critically thinking about intersectionality, but so much of this book touched on things that I hadn't considered before - like how climate change is a Black issue.
This book is a collection of essays written by multiple authors who I would say are specialists - or at least extremely highly educated - in the field that they are discussing, and are talking about the intersecting issues of Blackness and XYZ topic. It covers everything from climate change, to the school to prison pipeline, to healthcare. I had multiple moments while reading this book where I had to take a step back and assess the privilege in accessing things that I didn't even realize was a privilege until I was confronted with it in this book. And it was never in a demeaning, or hateful way - purely educational and passionate.
I am trying so hard to learn more about intersectional issues but from the voices of those that are most impacted and marginalized, and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to read this book. This book is exactly that - it is educational, it is smart, and it gives us options on what to do. Because we all need to do something. 10/10 Read this book.
This book is absolutely amazing. I don't know if amazing is the right word, but I had a hard time putting this book down because I just wanted to keep reading it and learn more and more. I feel like I am not uninformed about many of these topics, because of the massive privilege I have of having gone on through a lot of higher education that placed a large emphasis on multicultural competencies and critically thinking about intersectionality, but so much of this book touched on things that I hadn't considered before - like how climate change is a Black issue.
This book is a collection of essays written by multiple authors who I would say are specialists - or at least extremely highly educated - in the field that they are discussing, and are talking about the intersecting issues of Blackness and XYZ topic. It covers everything from climate change, to the school to prison pipeline, to healthcare. I had multiple moments while reading this book where I had to take a step back and assess the privilege in accessing things that I didn't even realize was a privilege until I was confronted with it in this book. And it was never in a demeaning, or hateful way - purely educational and passionate.
I am trying so hard to learn more about intersectional issues but from the voices of those that are most impacted and marginalized, and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to read this book. This book is exactly that - it is educational, it is smart, and it gives us options on what to do. Because we all need to do something. 10/10 Read this book.
February 7, 2022
The Black Agenda is an eye-opening book. It’s a collection of essays diving into topics like Climate, Health Care, Education, Criminal Justice, and the Economy. This book goes beyond showing how Black people are negatively impacted by political decisions being made by not working with the people being affected. This book also offers up solutions for better changes.
What I loved about this book is it each essay is written by a Black person. Written by the experts that were often left out of the conversations from the beginning. The essays are not from a heteronormative perspective and include the LGBTQ and disabled community.
This book acknowledges that it cannot and will not fix the system. The works cited provide great references for getting started.
5 stars
Thank you to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
What I loved about this book is it each essay is written by a Black person. Written by the experts that were often left out of the conversations from the beginning. The essays are not from a heteronormative perspective and include the LGBTQ and disabled community.
This book acknowledges that it cannot and will not fix the system. The works cited provide great references for getting started.
5 stars
Thank you to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews