Kendi, Ibram X. How to Be an Antiracist. (New York: One World, 2019).
In this thought-provoking book, Kendi holds a mirror up to racism, seeing within himself the toxic beliefs that he deplores in others. As described on the book cover, “Kendi weaves an electrifying combination of ethics, history, law, and science with his own personal story of awakening to antiracism.” His own unflinching honesty calls forth a similar honesty as readers reflect on their own attitudes about race—their own and others. Kendi argues that it is not enough to say, “I’m not a racist.” Rather, he advocates for “antiracism,” an active resistance to culturally and institutionally embedded hierarchies of privilege based on skin color. If we take to heart Parker Palmer’s assertion that we teach who we are, then this book provides a valuable lens through which to see parts of ourselves that we may prefer to deny. He calls, not for grand protests, but for mindful attention to small actions that can contribute to a more equitable society. Kendi writes with a tone of passionate humanity and humility, sharing his own experiences in a compelling and very readable style.