Anti-Racist Ally by Sophie Williams
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Book Summary:
Join the fight for racially marginalized people with this pocket-sized guide filled with practical insights from one of the leading voices of the movement for equality and founder of the @officialmillennialblack Instagram.
As the tragic murder of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement has demonstrated, not being racist is not enough. To fulfill the American ideal, to ensure that all people are equal, you must be actively anti-racist.
In this essential guide, Sophie Williams, goes beyond her popular Instagram @officialmillennialblack, providing sharp, simple, and insightful steps anyone can take to be a better ally in the fight against racism. While the book’s focus is on race, it also touches on sexism, classism, ableism, oppression, and white supremacy.
Written in her iconic Instagram style, this pocket-sized guide is a crucial starting point for every anti-racist ally, covering complex topics at the heart of anti-racist principles. Whether you are just finding your voice, have made a start but aren’t sure what to do next, or want a fresh viewpoint, Anti-Racist Allyintroduces and explains the language of change and shows you how to challenge the system, beginning with yourself. Sophie reminds you that this is a learning process, which means facing difficult truths, becoming uncomfortable, and working through the embarrassment and discomfort.
The fight for justice isn’t easy there aren’t any shortcuts or quick wins. But together, anti-racist allies can use their power to truly change the world and lives.
Publication Date:
February 16th, 2021
Genre:
Non-Fiction/Human Rights/Race Relations
Purchase Your Copy:
My Review:
A 2020 Awakening…
Wow! While this book is small, it sure is mighty and could not be coming out at a better time. Like many white women, I was disappointed in myself that it took something like the tragedies of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd to fully understand that racism is still very much alive and well in our country. {I discused this more in my June 2020 blog post HERE}
As Anti-Racist Ally author Sophie Williams states. “Modern-day racism is less black face and racial slurs and more insidious, coded and systemic discrimination.” This means it isn’t always as easy to see when you aren’t “living it.” This is a reality that so many people do not have and I wanted to do better.
Black Lives Matter Movement:
The Black Lives Matter movement was not sharing anything new, and as a white person, it was a privilege to choose when I thought about racism and when I could turn it off. This is something that needed to change and was a pivotal moment for myself and many others.
I learned that I needed to be a better ally and actively be anti-racist. I recognize that while we may not ever truly understand, I can continue to listen, learn, support, and stand up for others, starting with understanding the language of change.
The “Cliffs Notes” to Actively Being Anti-Racist…
Anti-Racist Ally is like the “Cliffs Notes” version of how we can actively be anti-racist, in our own homes, in our communities, and our society. The writing is clear and approachable, and author Sophie William’s educates us while also promoting how to take actionable steps that will make a difference.
This book is the perfect starting point in the journey of becoming a better ally. Every clear and concise chapter while also packing a punch. There were so many quotable moments I could hardly keep track and I know this is one I will go back to again and again. I already pre-ordered a hard copy, and you should too!
Thank you to Amistad for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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