White Supremacy Is All Around: Notes from a Black Disabled Woman in a White World

by Akilah Cadet

Founder and CEO of consulting firm Change Cadet Dr. Akilah Cadet shares a powerful, incisive look at where we are in the fight to dismantle white supremacy—and what we urgently need to do next​.

This is the story of how I became an unapologetic Black disabled woman in a white world. This book is for people who look and live structurally like me to be valued, seen, heard and perhaps some advice on how to navigate life amongst white supremacy. This book is also for white people who have been “doing the work” since the murder of George Floyd to read my story and be able to clearly see systemic oppression, racism, and ableism. There are books sharing the historical context of white supremacy, providing tips on how to be an ally or anti-racist, and firsthand experiences from Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) which are important. I push the conversation that leads to real change through my story. This book is for the Black woman who is looking to been seen and soft in shared lived experience. It is for the white person who is immersing themselves in the community they want to advocate for. It is for anyone who understands that learning and unlearning is lifelong.
 
White Supremacy Is All Around arrives as the U.S.’s ongoing racial reckoning has left readers searching for voices they can trust. BIPOC, disabled people, and other intentionally ignored Americans want to feel heard and empowered; organization leaders and allies invested in dismantling white supremacy want a framework for how best to contribute. Dr. Akilah Cadet speaks to all these needs, drawing from her life experiences and work helping leading brands build inclusive and equitable cultures to offer an informed perspective that prioritizes belonging. In a series of personal stories told with her trademark candor and wit, Dr. Cadet explores the long-term work required to combat structural oppression from her unique vantage point as a Black disabled woman. She tackles from the 2020 “summer of allyship ” and depression caused by workplace discrimination to navigating disability and building a consulting business, all with a little inspo from Beyoncé.
 
A powerful call for true accompliceship for non-Black people, and a way for Black people to see and celebrate themselves, White Supremacy Is All Around  ushers in a new voice that is timely, urgent, and essential—and a vision we all need now.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Disability, Audiobook, Social Justice, Race, Politics

272 pages, Hardcover

Published February 6, 2024

About the author

Dr. Akilah Cadet is the Founder and CEO of Change Cadet, an organizational development consulting firm that offers services that support embedding belonging into overall company culture, identity and strategy. As a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur her work is behind some of the biggest brands you use everyday. Dismantling white supremacy through storytelling is at the core of her work as a leader, speaker, creative director, producer, writer, editor, co-owner of the Oakland Roots and Soul soccer teams, and author of White Supremacy is All Around: Notes From a Black Disabled Woman in a White World. She literally has all the degrees, lives in and loves Oakland, CA, celebrates her disability, is a proud Beyoncé advocate

Reviews

[Shelby (catching up on 2025 reviews)]

REVIEW

Thank you #partner Hachette Go for my gifted copy!

White Supremacy is All Around: Notes from a Black Disabled Woman in a White World
Dr. Akilah Cadet

📖 A powerful call for true accompliceship for non-Black people, and a way for Black people to see and celebrate themselves, White Supremacy Is All Around ushers in a new voice that is timely, urgent, and essential—and a vision we all need now.

💭 Equal parts memoir and essential anti-racist reading, Cadet's book is an intimate, powerful account of what life is like as a Black disabled woman, and the ways in which white supremacy fails her and others like her. Through a series of personal stories, Cadet offers a comprehensive examination of white supremacy within multiple spheres: healthcare, the workplace, in relationships, in society as a whole, and so much more. Well written, with the perfect blend of humor and frankness, this was an enjoyable read, even while the content within is difficult. At it's core, this book holds white people accountable for our complicity in white supremacy, and urges us to be not just allies, but accomplices.

As this provides the intersectional perspectives of Blackness and disability, White Supremacy is All Around is a welcome addition to anti-racist reading lists. I highly recommend for my non-Black friends doing the work. 💛

This would be a great book to read for the Read More Diversely challenge I'm co-hosting with @dealingwithbooks

📌 Please check TWs, are there are many difficult themes discussed here.

📌 Available now!

[Briann · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

The book was decent. The book’s layout and structure were hard to follow. Furthermore, many chapters felt like “train of thought” monologues rather than well-structured chapters with good flow and transitions. Much of what Dr. Cadet talked about were things I was already aware of, so the book was not presenting a whole lot of new information. However, I still think it has value and should be read.

Below are some quotes from the book I liked as well as some miscellaneous thoughts.

💛 “Dear gentle reader” – reference/allusion to Bridgerton?
💛 “As I write this introduction for you, Jordan Neely, a Black houseless man with mental illness, was murdered in plain sight on the subway by Daniel Penny, a white man and former marine. As of May 2023, Neely’s family has raised $133,000 for his funeral and Penny’s “defense fund” has raised $2.3 million. A white man’s legal fees are more important than a Black man’s life and continued legacy.
💛 White tears ~ A topic I would like to contemplate further
💛 “White women are “progressive,” when Black women are “challenging.” White women are celebrated for the very things that Black women are discredited for.”
💛 Jessica Wilson’s book It’s Always Been Ours – “When a Black woman draws public attention for questioning whiteness she becomes a problem in need of proper containment”
💛 “Disabled people are not your inspirational porn”

[CarlysGrowingTBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as a advanced reader copy through NetGalley. And I am so glad I was able to read it early.

This was such a relatable and honest memoir. I felt the writing was very accessible and easy to understand. And I absolutely related to the author since we have the same chronic illness. I really liked how the memoir covered not only her quest to dismantle white supremacy, but how that related to her chronic disability, and how it overall affected her mental health. I feel like the author was extremely honest and raw, and I always appreciate that in a memoir.

I never once lost interest in any portion of this memoir. It was so accessible in its writing. There wasn't a bunch of legal and/or medical jargon that would have drawn me out of the story. It was written, almost like the author was having a conversation with a friend. And I love that about it. It made it so accessible and relatable. Overall, I wish the chronic illness had been discussed a little bit more because that was the ultimate point that I was interested in but I absolutely learned a ton about dismantling white supremacy as a white presenting person. I feel like this is a very important book and it should be taught in high school.

[Dot526 · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot of good story/information here and Cadet is clearly well versed and focused on dismantling white supremacy. It’s worth a read but the pacing and editorial choices made it difficult for me to get through at points. The essays seem very stream-of-consciousness and also fairly basic. Perhaps a good jumping off point for people (white women especially) who haven’t thought much about this issue.

[M. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dr. Cadet is clearly an amazing activist and academic, but this book was confusing. It reads like one long stream-of-consciousness journal entry, with a mix of personal stories, broad, sweeping statements that need backup/citation, and lots of DEI 101 terms with nothing to help a 101 reader understand them -- punctuated by random breaks to mark out the chapters. With a very strong editor, there might be something there, but until then I don't recommend.

[Jessica Milliner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is told from Dr. Akilah Cadet's perspective. It explains more about her being a disabled black woman and how she goes through with her life. She also explains about racism and other topics. There are some parts I like and some that I don't really like due to the fact that it's quite uncomfortable for me to read. The book is quite good and can be recommended to those who want to learn more about racism and other things.

Thanks to the publishers, Hachette Books and NetGalley, for giving me the opportunity to read this book and write a review.

[Leena Landmark · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn’t do it. After reading 64%, I could not take it any longer. Do I think white supremacy is all around? Yes. But did this book teach me anything? No. It’s written as a memoir. I don’t care about her dating life or her relationship with her father.

[Kellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging! The tone is a bit flippant at times which makes it hard to connect with the true emotion of a scene, but this was a quick read that I struggled to put down. Thanks Hachette for the ARC.

[KMart Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful and essential read that offers profound insights into the pervasive influence of white supremacy and the urgent need for change.

Dr. Cadet fearlessly shares her personal journey as a Black disabled woman navigating a world dominated by white supremacy. Through candid and poignant storytelling, she sheds light on the systemic oppression, racism, and ableism that shape our society. Her story serves as a rallying cry for BIPOC individuals seeking validation and empowerment, as well as a wake-up call for white allies committed to dismantling systems of oppression. She provides invaluable insights into the long-term work required to create inclusive and equitable communities.

Readers interested in confronting their privilege, listening to marginalized voices, and actively working towards change - this is a MUST READ. Let's become true accomplices in the fight against white supremacy and uplift voices that need to be heard. This is a good first step on the roadmap for meaningful allyship and advocacy.

This is a phenomenal book and everyone should read it.

[Issadora · Rating 4 out of 5]

feeling the softness despite the pain

I enjoyed this book though it was also sad, maddening and depressing. It was also joy, relatable and inspiring.

I found some things hard to understand in terms of white supremacy and its intricacies of dealing with other people. It can come up and take you by surprise. I think I don’t understand as much as I should but as a black disabled woman, I also experience it and have loads of experiences with micro aggressions.

I really found Dr Cadet the most relatable when she talks about disability and marginalization. Most of my discriminatory experiences have been in healthcare with my chronic pain and health issues so I felt heard and seen. I hope she writes more books.

[Christine LaBatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a series of essays from Dr. Akilah Cadet, who owns her own company that focuses on equity and diversity. She details her experience in a world of white supremacy.

Overall, I thought this was a good read with a lot of great points made. Based on the subtitle, I thought there would be more chapters about her disability and how white supremacy creates medical inequality There was a little of this, but I thought there could have been more. I also think a few chapters could have been combined or rearranged so that the book overall was punchier. Despite this, I still enjoyed reading this and would recommend it.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review,

[Karen Catlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Cadet's collection of essays is a gift to anyone who cares about equality and equity.

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever read a book and thought to yourself that you should buy it for people you know? That was my experience reading Dr. Akilah Cadet's book, White Supremacy is All Around. Deconstructing her own experiences with white supremacy and racism, Dr. Cadet gives us a behind the scenes look into her life as a black woman, a prominent leader in the DEI field, and as a chronic illness suffer.

I thought her book was well paced and I enjoyed her use of facts and personal first hand accounts of her experiences to follow up on the facts shared. Her ability to call out white people, while also inviting them into the conversation, and establish clear and concise boundaries is a skill. The fact that we have the stereotype of the "angry black lady" and it's use against her so much, angered me.

Dr. Cadet provides concrete ways for white people to help black people in America and I think the bullet points should be on billboards across the country. The one story that hit home the hardest, for me, was her talking about turning black harm into white centered conversations. I had just recently had a conversation with a white person who shared a harmful/racist graphic and she could not understand what she did wrong---trust me when I say, I'll probably mail a copy of this book to her.

A great resource and addition to the discussion on the changes that need to be made so that all people feel safe in America.

Thank you Hachette Books for the gifted copy to review.

[Shana · Rating 3 out of 5]

***Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review***

This was a 2.5 rounded up to 3 stars for me largely due to what seemed like odd editing. The flow seemed off where things would get explained and then reintroduced later as if it was the first go. Given that this is an ARC, it's possible there will be further changes before publication that will revolve this bumpiness. Aside from that, I will say I was not familiar with Dr. Cadet's work prior to reading this book but I gather she has quite a presence on social media. She writes very candidly about her experiences and there is no shortage in the ways she has been harmed in various business and personal dealings, even as a person of her stature. There is a lot to be gleaned from that lest anyone think racism is/was "solved" by Black folks in high positions. Dr. Cadet puts a face and a story to the issues that are often intellectualized, like medical racism as she struggled to find a diagnosis that matched what she was experiencing. Stories are often the best ways for us to understand these concepts, and so I appreciate Dr. Cadet using her own real life examples to allow us to see the cost while also showing us what thriving looks like.

[Kentucky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a giveaway! Thank you to hachette books!

I found this book to be not only educational but also easy to pick up. Immediately after putting it down, I wanted to pick it back up again. Dr. Akilah Cadet's notes provide excellent connections between the place and role of white supremacy in major aspects of society. I also love her inclusion of intersectionality studies.
I find that her explanations of issues and recommendations for improvement genuinely encourage the reader to do better. For those who may struggle to accept the dominant role white supremacy has in the world, this book offers real world scenarios to showcase the presence it has today. I will definitely recommend this to those who want to educate themselves.
This book did have some grammatical errors and perhaps formatting issues, some chapters may be better to have combined/ or moved around for a clearer transition. However, this is an early access and did not necessarily take away from the power of the book.

[Cordelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like Dr. Cadet in this book. She comes across as really funny, empathetic but able to stand her ground. She's very educated, not only as a scholar but in a social way as well. 

Overall, I thought the book was good. However, I had some issues with the construction of the book. Several words were used that are specific to the types of work Dr. Cadet performs, however no explanation is given for what that means. I had no issues googling it but then a few chapters later when that same concept was explained, it felt very clunky.

I also wasn't a huge fan of the "you thought this..." lines. It felt like I was being talked down to for thoughts that weren't even in my mind. The book seems to be intended at a white audience- especially white women- but then addresses Black people in her book. It comes off confusing and slightly jarring.

However, I really think this was overall worth my read. Also totally using historical excluded, great words that I'll be implementing in my life.

[Michelle Glogovac · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s time for every reader to get comfortable being uncomfortable. This book is one that demands it — and deserves it. I couldn’t put it down.

Dr. Akilah Cadet shares her lived experiences with a mix of raw honesty and unflinching truth. Her reflections, responses, and real-life stories don’t just educate — they invite change. I was deeply disappointed (though sadly, not surprised) by the blatant racism that too many people felt comfortable expressing. It was a painful reminder of how far we still have to go, and how often my expectations of others’ humanity are higher than they’re willing to reach.

As a white woman, this book challenged me to do more than just “be aware.” It’s a call to act — to name what’s wrong, call it out when I see it, and use my voice to create change.

Dr. Cadet is an extraordinary human helping others rise to their humanity. I’m profoundly grateful for her courage, her story, and her commitment to truth. This is a book I’ll be pressing into as many hands as possible.

[Keli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part memoir, part call to action, this book of short stories is titled after Love Actually to attract what is probably the most targeted audience: white women. As someone who doesn’t read much nonfiction, I thought this book was very readable and accessible to everyone. Each chapter/story also has individual content warnings at the top.

Typically, the chapters start at a more personal level and end on a call to action/lesson to be learned. This is definitely a very high-level discussion of anti-racism and disability justice, so it’s not the book to read if you’re looking for a detailed education surrounding these topics (not a critique, just a fact). However, I think reading Dr. Akilah’s stories and hearing about her perspective as a Black, disabled woman was very valuable and I still made a lot of highlights/notes.

If you’re constantly on a quest to become a better ally (as one should be), I think this is a great quick read to pick up!

[Tina Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadly I did not enjoy this one, mostly due to Cadet’s incredibly flippant tone. I found a lot of these stories very relatable just because I, too, am a woman and many of the author’s struggles seemed to be due sexism, not necessarily racism (though she very forcefully attributed them all to the latter). And for a book meant to break down stereotypes, the author constantly generalized and stereotyped EVERYONE (herself included).

If this had been a straight memoir (just Cadet sharing her stories), I would’ve enjoyed and respected it more but the tone rubbed me the wrong way. Also this felt slightly mis-marketed as I thought it would have more information about her disability (which I was very interested in learning about) but that was barely a blip. Sadly this was just not for me.

But thank you to Hachette Go for sending this my way in exchange for an honest review!

[Hubert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writer runs a diversity consulting firm, expounding on the ups and downs of her career path from working at larger organizations. Cadet's voice is earnest, inspiring, sometimes frustrating and heart-breaking but ultimately worthy of attending to. Much of the narrative centers around the ways in which her organizational peers and bosses, and the organizational boards that she worked for, undermined her ability to do the thing that she was hired to do, which was to fight white supremacy within the organizations and to support their mission in a way that would maximize impact on communities that the organizations were purportedly supposed to help.

A worthy memoir, with many lessons learned for future reference.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oof, I struggled to understand who the intended audience is for this book. The author, a professional Diversity-Training and Hiring Consultant for various companies and corporations, takes the "Sassy Diva"-approach to narrating (and maybe her consulting practice too). I do not care about her shoe game; I care about how she's creating positive change in the American corporate sphere. Honestly, it doesn't seem like its working for her.

But I am also not her intended audience. If I had to take a guess, her ideal reader is a young person of color entering the workforce, preparing them for the BS they're about to enter in the real world. I do not think a single white corporate executive will ever pick up her memoir.

She also barely discusses her disability, which is her prerogative, and her right to privacy, except that its mentioned in the title.

What she actually unintentionally presents in her book is how difficult she is to work with-- when she's meaning to point out the hypocrisy of these companies who fire her. Unfortunately for everyone, corporate America IS wildly hypocritical, and her approach to confronting racism in the workplace is shock and destroy, which is actually the opposite of tolerance training.

So what's my experience with this? Next to none, personally. But 2nd hand-- my dad (a white-ish Jewish man) developed and implemented Tolerance workshops for school districts throughout the 90s (his programs have been adopted in multiple counties throughout the country, including Washington DC. He partnered with Civil Rights Activists and BIPOC Tolerance educators to create these programs). So I've sat in on these workshops, and I am an Ally for this cause. What I've learned is that no one likes to be shamed publicly, and corporations have no soul and don't give 2-fs for the actual cause, they just want that Ambassador to be polite and representative of their "tolerance efforts."

Yes its BS and its hypocritical, but that it the game. And the author decides to burn bridges, at least, she doesn't convey the ability to work well with others in this book.

I don't like to leave bad reviews, but I don't think she's effectively recruiting more folks to her line of work with this book. In fact, she unintentionally reinforces the negative stereotypes of DEI work, and in the Trump/Elon era I wonder how she'll adapt.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book. Akilah Cadet's writing was incredibly engaging and informative. I really appreciated that she provided trigger warnings for the harder and darker parts of this book, as it gave me a chance to prepare. Ultimately, the title was truly indicative of the essays and Cadet demonstrated exactly how white supremacy is all around and I found myself taking notes on all the ways I perpetuate white supremacy in my life and how I can do better. The second to last chapter of this book is especially important for anyone wanting to ensure they take this book to heart.

[Teresa Myrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up at the library not knowing what to expect. I had to make it into a few chapters before I realized its a memoir of her experiences and not necessarily giving any ideas or perspectives on dealing with white supremacy. She does add in the end 22 suggestions. I appreciated reading her perspective at life, although I'm not surprised or shocked by her experience but I think next time I would rather read how I can be an ally rather then all the reasons white people havent been an ally to her.

[Liliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

White Supremacy Is All Around: Notes from a Black Disabled Woman in a White World by Akilah Cadet is an eye-opening and transformative read that has sparked profound discussions and broadened my understanding in ways I never anticipated. This powerful book delves deeply into the pervasive nature of white supremacy in our society, offering invaluable insights and revelations. Thank you

Liliana B.

[Amanda Bohlman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps it is on me not realizing this was mostly memoir. I think her life experience offers white women multiple options to understand how her blackness created barriers for her life in ways they can still relate to. I was very taken aback by the metaphor she made with her experience riding an elephant in Thailand which is a huge no no and she doesn’t ever address how that isn’t a practice she recommends others doing( I know that’s not the point but I just struggled with that).

[Jake Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to almost the entirety of this audiobook in a day, I can't remember the last time I was so consumed by a book. Reminded me of Bad Feminist, maybe because I've been listening to that recently.

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Cadet tells her story as an example of how micro and macro agressions cause harm. After reading this, I feel more empowered to call out BS when I see it. She's a great thinker and writer, a fellow Virgo and Beyoncé advocate, so what's not to like?

[Jen Shivey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is truly one of the best and most impactful books I have ever read. Dr. Cadet weaves her lived experience into a captivating series of storytelling that made it hard for me to put this down. The book is thoughtful, well written and is a must read.

[Rachel Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful and a good reminder to check your privilege every day!

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great books for white people to listen to and follow through with the steps she clearly points out throughout the book and again at the end.