Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a collection of 25 essays written by well-known political commentator Keith Boykin. Each essay confronts and refutes common arguments used to justify, support, and perpetuate racism in America. Some of my favorite essays include those addressing critical race theory being “taught” in public schools, the in accurate portrayal of black people and welfare, and black on black crime. 

This book provides a comprehensive overview of racism in the US, but the author still manages to dedicate appropriate attention to each topic, and is able to include lesser known points. At the same time, the writing is accessible and not overly verbose, which makes it an excellent starting point for those unaccustomed to the level of expertise the author demonstrates. 

The author does an excellent job referencing different historical events and actions/quotes by predominant figures that are lesser known and not a topic discussed in American schools today (including post-secondary education). 

The author does not gloss over parts that may make readers uncomfortable; unlike some educators in the field, the author justifiably does not try to assuage any potential “white guilt.” Instead, the author calls for a deep examination of how racism has played and currently plays a role in the United States. It is only after everyone can understand and acknowledge this that we can move forward in working to change the future and “‘banish white guilt.’” 

I have a degree in political science; I took many history classes in college; I have engaged in education to better understand DEIA in America. Yet I still found myself viscerally reacting in shock and disgust at revelations of things that have been done and said. In some ways, it is unbelievable that such a hatred and harm has been present in America. However, it is that exact thinking that leads to so many people hiding from it. Due to a belief in a great America, a general optimism in humankind, or sheer selfish and willful ignorance and denial, there are far too many white people who choose everyday to continue to perpetuate a system and culture that harms BIPOC people. It is through constant education and work that us as white people can begin to attempt to rectify the situation we are in. 

I do not think I have ever annotated a book as much as this one. There are so many points and quotes I wish I could commit to memory in verbatim. Although I wish I could include every single one in this review, I will settle for sharing one for now. In reference to Senator Strom Thurmond (1954-2003) a man who strongly supported preventing the “‘social intermingling of the races,’” the Senate Republican leader Trent Lott said: “‘When Storm Thurmond ran for president, we voted for him. We’re proud of it. And if the rest of the country had followed our lead, we wouldn’t have had all of these problems over all these years.’” 

The fact that twenty years ago, the Senate leader for the Republican party would proudly be quoted on such a horrific statement just goes to show how far America has yet to go. The racism in this statement is undeniable (in case you were okay with excusing the systemic, more “hidden” racism that denies Black people home loans, create discriminatory AI algorithms, and ignore the undervaluation of missing Black women’s lives). 

The author’s biting humor and frustration exhibits the emotional labor put into explaining arguments that should not have to be explained. 

Although I said above I love the accessibility of this book, I also would love to see a deeper dive in rehabilitating and undermining the ideology behind white supremacy and institutional racism. As someone who has comprehensively studied terrorist ideology, this book has made me interested in how America can work to rehabilitate and de-radicalize white supremacists. 

Though this is my first time reading work by Keith Boykin, it will not be my last. (Also bonus: AOC follows Keith Boykin on Instagram.)