written by Patrisse Khan-Cullors, Book 5 of 2021
“What is the impact of not being valued? How do you measure the loss of what a human being does not receive?”
Patrisse Khan-Cullors
Wow. I’ve been trying to prioritize reading more books written by people of color and this was one I will recommend over and over. Patrisse Khan-Cullors tells her story in a deeply moving and personal narrative that covers her life from childhood up to her present day activism in a way that will inspire you to join her. It’s hard not to be moved by the way she makes the day to day criminalization of being black of the US very personal. There’s no time like the present to show up for people of color in this country.
Recommended for: Anyone who’s wondered, what’s the deal with the Black Lives Matter movement or seems confused about what the movement is fighting for. Anyone interested in learning more about how policing and the experience of prison impacts people of color.
Actions I will take in response to this book
- Support organizations led by and for black folks in my community
- Support decriminalization of offenses that are mostly enforced in communities of color.
- Find out how I can support local organizations not just next month (Black history month, but into the future).
Content Warnings: Incarceration, Racism, Violence, Neglect, Torture, Hate Crimes