Anti-Racism (Words of Change series): Powerful Voices, Inspiring Ideas

by Kenrya Rankin

Overview

Over 100 insightful passages from anti-racist leaders, both past and present—including Ibram X. Kendi, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Audre Lorde, and Malcolm X—presented by the author of How We Fight White Supremacy.

Celebrate resistance and spark change with this “powerful collection” of inspirational quotes for allies and activists dedicated to promoting racial equity (Ms. Magazine).

This collection of stirring quotes from anti-racist activists is a call to action and a blast of truth. In these pages readers will find understanding and inspiration to end racial injustice.

Journalist and activist Kenrya Rankin’s powerful introduction explains how systemic racism poisons the atmosphere for everyone, while her selection of vibrant quotes illuminates and honors the work of anti-racist leaders past and present. Beautifully presented quotes and capsule biographies of the activists make this book a perfect gift or resource for students, educators, librarians, advocates, and allies who seek social justice and promote anti-racism. Voices include:

• Jason Reynolds
• Ibram X. Kendi
• Adrienne Maree Brown
• Roxane Gay
• Ta-Nehisi Coates
• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
• Robin DiAngelo
• Darnell Moore
• Lizzo
• Audre Lorde
• Malcolm X
• and many more!

Now more than ever, the fight for racial justice requires all of us to participate, not just during Black History Month—but every day of the year.

Partial proceeds to benefit The Movement for Black Lives Fund.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781632173409
Publisher:	Sasquatch Books
Publication date:	07/23/2020
Series:	Words of Change
Pages:	160
Sales rank:	530,300
Product dimensions:	5.10(w) x 7.10(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Kenrya Rankin is an award-winning author, journalist, editor, speaker, and on-air talent who creates dynamic, high-impact content that amplifies the lived experiences, advocacy and work of people of color and shifts the narrative around who deserves liberation, justice, joy, and dignity in America. Kenrya’s insight has been tapped by leading media outlets such as the New York Times, the Huffington Post, and ThinkProgress. A 20-year veteran in the editorial space, she is Principal at editorial consultancy Perfectly Said Studio, Executive Producer and Co-host of The Turn On podcast and author of five books, including How We Fight White Supremacy: A Field Guide to Black Resistance. Kenrya earned her undergraduate degree in journalism from Howard University and her master’s degree in publishing from New York University. She is a from Cleveland, Ohio, and currently lives in the Washington, D.C. area with her brilliant artist daughter.

Read an Excerpt

"Colorblindness, while nice in theory, has no effect on structural and institutional racism. Racism is a system, and that system benefits certain people at the expense of others. Ignoring it just lets those problems persist."—Franchesca Ramsey

"No one becomes 'not racist,' despite a tendency by Americans to identify themselves that way. We can only strive to be 'antiracist' on a daily basis, to continually rededicate ourselves to the lifelong task of overcoming our country’s racist heritage."—Ibram X. Kendi

"White supremacy is this nation's oldest pyramid scheme. Even those who have lost everything to the scheme are still hanging in there, waiting for their turn to cash out."—Ijeoma Oluo

“Prejudice goes both ways, you know. There are people who suffer from it, and there are people who profit from it.” —Jodi Picoult

"For a few seconds, I remembered that the most abusive parts of our nation obsessively neglect yesterday while peddling in possibility. I remembered that we got here by refusing to honestly remember together. I remember that it was easier to promise than it was to reckon or change."—Kiese Laymon

"Each and every one of us has the capacity to be an oppressor. I want to encourage each and everyone of us to interrogate how we might be an oppressor and how we might be able to become liberators for ourselves and for each other."—Laverne Cox

"If you stick a knife in my back nine inches and pull it out six inches, there's no progress. If you pull it all the way out, that's not progress. Progress is healing the wound that the blow made."—Malcolm X

"Stopping our racist patterns must be more important than working to convince others that we don't have them."—Robin DiAngelo

never trust anyone who says they do not see color.
this means to them,
you are invisible.
Nayyirah Waheed

Editorial Reviews

From activist and author of How We Fight White Supremacy comes this slim yet powerful collection of quotes from over 100 imperative voices in the anti-racism movement...get yours to take a break, rejuvenate, refresh and get back into the fray.”
—Ms. Magazine

“Discover a myriad of anti-racist activists through these 100-plus reflections.”
—Colorlines

“This is a [book] that will drive conversations, especially with younger readers. Filled with quotes from entertainers, intellectuals, and notable social justice heroes, this book will encourage children to ask questions, embrace history, and aspire to be the change they want to see.”
—BookRiot

“White people who truly want to be allies can find their path to ally-ship without Black validation and without us having to take time out of our days to educate them. They can find their own curriculum and figure out for themselves how they can do their part in fighting the good fight. And they can do it without the promise of Black praise.”
—Zack Linly

“The day I stop fighting for equality and for people that look like you and me will be the day I'm in my grave.”
—Serena Williams

From the Publisher

07/31/2020

Gr 9 Up—Rankin, an activist, speaker, and award-winning author, has curated a collection of quotes to challenge racial injustice, prompt discussion, and encourage change. The text features powerful words from historical and present-day leaders and changemakers, including Frederick Douglass, Malcolm X, Angela Davis, Black Lives Matter cofounder Alicia Garza, Rosa Clemente, Ibram X. Kendi, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The quotes dismantle the long-standing narrative that portrays America as a country of inclusivity, indiscriminate equality, and unconditional freedom. Rankin spotlights advocates who reflect gender, ethnic, and racial diversity. Members of the LGBTQ community are also included. The back of the book provides brief biographies of each profiled individual. The book's quotes and choice of people are deliberate, and so is the design and format. The photos and vibrant colors emphasize the hope behind the antiracist movement and communicate a call to action. The fonts and spacing of the quotes will appeal to reluctant readers while the theme will interest almost all readers. VERDICT A resource that offers timely content and thought-provoking quotes. This collection will be a popular request at any high school or public library.—Jeni Tahaney, Summit H.S., Manfield, TX

School Library Journal