Abstract
In this edited text, Making Black Lives Matter: Confronting Anti-Black Racism, Dr Kevin Cokely and his collaborators at Cognella Academic Publishing sought to arm readers with a “blueprint” for confronting anti-Blackness in all its forms. While previous publications have sought to achieve similar goals, his approach differed because this text combined the voices of many different authors, offering perspectives informed by their learned and lived experiences.
One of the primary ways the authors achieve their goals in this text is by providing historical context to their readers; this is notable because it does not assume a level of requisite knowledge. Additionally, each chapter provides instructions for the readers to address anti-Blackness. These instructions are directed at different groups of people, which speaks to the inclusive nature of this text. Recommendations for parents, students, researchers, clinicians, social justice leaders, and many other groups are represented in this text.
Unique to this text is the emphasis on student voices in the conversation surrounding anti-Black racism. In the chapter written from the undergraduate perspective, students detailed their experiences of anti-Black racism and how it impacted their education trajectories. These stories explored themes related to finding their Black identities, navigating unwelcoming spaces, and highlighting calls for support from administrators that went unanswered. In a section focused on the graduate student experience in higher education, there was an acknowledgment that racism is embedded in the fabric of their institutions. This acknowledgment was presented alongside the internal conflict that graduate students often experience, whereby they simultaneously hold the truth that there are injustices and the knowledge that it is not their job to address every injustice. This is not to say that they cannot play a role in facilitating change; however, these roles should not have to come at the expense of their education.
Intersectionality was a common theme throughout this edited text. One chapter, in particular, spoke from a feminist perspective while exploring the history of gendered racism in the Black community. This chapter explored the different manifestations of gendered racism and its health outcomes for Black women. Additionally, this chapter explored the magnitude of the #SayHerName movement in uncovering the truths related to the oppression of Black women.
In this text, the authors also consider the innovative tactics of racism through social media, higher education institutions, and other systems of power. It is a timely piece that acknowledges the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on anti-Black racism and the new challenge that it placed on Black people to overcome depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health problems, all while living in isolation and underresourced communities.
While presenting many opportunities for self-exploration, growth, and learning, the authors offer diverse and fresh perspectives on age-old and current issues facing Black communities. The writing style was consistently engaging, providing an opportunity for readers to become immersed and invested in the content of each chapter. Due to its diversity of voices, perspectives, and content, this book can be an essential resource for many people throughout higher education and the public. Notably, this text is a free and open source accessible to the public. Making this title accessible was a significant part of the vision for the publishers at Cognella and aligned with Dr Cokely's stated beliefs about disseminating research and information.
