Anti racist ally : an introduction to action & activism

Anti racist ally An introduction to action & activism

Sophie Williams

Book - 2021

"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. Whet...her 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 Ally introduces 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"--publisher website.

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Subjects
Race > Social aspects.
Race relations.
Anti-racism.
Published
New York, NY : Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers [2021]
Language
English
Main Author
Sophie Williams (author)
Edition
First edition
Item Description
"Originally published as Anti-Racist Ally in Great Britain in 2020 by HQ, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers Ltd"--Title page verso.
Physical Description
176 pages ; 19 cm
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 174-176).
ISBN
9780063081352
  • Introduction
  • Discussion of terms
  • Not being racist is not enough
  • Become an anti-racist ally
  • Let's talk about intersectionality
  • What does racism look like now?
  • Allyship anxieties
  • Start with yourself
  • Become an ally in your social circle
  • Become an ally in your workplace
  • Become an ally at home and in your communities
  • Become an economic ally
  • Keep up the momentum
  • Further reading
  • Endnotes
Review by Booklist Review

Williams is a U.K.-based anti-racism activist who focuses on the intersections of race and gender. Her new guide to anti-racism is an introduction to racial justice advocacy. In 14 sections, Williams briefly encapsulates key concepts, such as the difference between personal racism and structural racism and the importance of intersectionality in understanding discrimination. Williams contextualizes the increased interest in allyship within the context of the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests that followed the murders of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. She talks through barriers to becoming an ally, including fear of making mistakes or feelings of guilt, and discusses ways to be an ally in the workplace and social communities. Williams is also known for her educational Instagram account @OfficialMilliennialBlack, which highlights news and advocacy work. At times, the book's format mirrors the Instagram slideshows she creates to explain concepts with the account. Touching on issues from redlining to recognizing white privilege, Anti-Racist Ally provides a thoughtful entryway into the ongoing work of anti-racism.

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

Anti-racism activist Williams expands on her @officialmillennialblack Instagram account in this well-meaning but superficial guide on how white people can become active allies to marginalized groups. Williams walks readers through concepts such as intersectionality and structural racism, debunks misconceptions ("I can't be racist. My wife/husband/boss/best friend/dentist is Black"), and advises readers to support Black-owned businesses and donate to charities that provide "direct assistance" to those in need. Her suggestions for overcoming guilt about past beliefs and behaviors include "look for ways to make reparations without centring your transformation in the process" and "us the knowledge that you have been capable of change to push for even greater development in yourself and those around you." Unfortunately, Williams offers no examples of individuals doing the work she calls for. Admonitions such as "before you post a picture or even act, take a moment to consider: would you still be doing this if no one saw it?" are fairly banal, and the absence of guidance on how to find and support anti-racist organizations is a glaring omission. This falls short. (Feb.)

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Kirkus Book Review

"Not being racist is not enough." The founder of @officialmillennialblack on Instagram delivers a simple guide for those "who wish to join the fight against racism." Early on, Williams, an experienced social justice activist, describes her process: "I began writing this book in the wake of the series of tragic murders that shocked the world in 2020 and galvanized many who had never considered their role in anti-racism to take action in their own lives." In this "deliberately small book," Williams aims to assist those who want to become more active by outlining how to be an effective anti-racist ally. The author lays out a series of focus areas for would-be allies, all of which are meant to "challenge the things we've been taught based on white supremacy, and to seek better and fairer ways moving forward." Williams begins with definitions and first steps, including "Becoming an Anti-Racist Ally" or "What Does Racism Look Like Now?" She addresses common questions and concerns about terminology, misconceptions, and intersectionality. After the introductory concepts, the author moves on to proactive elements--e.g. how to be an ally in your social circle, workplace, and community. Throughout, she uses a conversational tone to explain the reasons behind each of her suggestions, such as examining the diversity of the communities you are a part of, and then suggests simple ways in which to talk with the leadership of those groups about the vitality of anti-racism. Williams is clear that the "allyship journey" is rarely easy or quick, which makes it that much more important to implement sturdy support structures, make space for messy feelings, and celebrate small victories. Williams also provides two helpful lists for further reading, one for adults (White Fragility, Between the World and Me, How To Be an Antiracist) and one for younger readers. Essential reading for our times, with the goal of true human equality. (Includes Further Reading list and endnotes) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

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