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Design Against Racism: Creating Work That Transforms Communities
A historical and philosophical exploration of the impact of design on underserved communities, examining the field’s shortcomings as well as its potential to create positive change. Through essays that delve into history and practice, and case studies that demonstrate practical strategies, Design Against Racism explores how designers of all disciplines can address, through their work, the legacies of racism and oppression.
Design profoundly influences culture. The heart of this book is its powerful blend of essays on design history, illustrated case studies, and discussions of practical methods to approach design work, adapted from the restorative justice movement. It explores how design as a professional practice and academic discipline directly affects historically excluded communities, offering frameworks and examples that foster collective improvement.
Topics from author Omari Souza, founder of the annual State of Black Design conference, and contributing design professionals
Unveiling the White The Narrative of Whiteness and Colonial Nostalgia
Language as a Tool for Marginalization—and Resistance
Hip-Hop Transforming Spaces through Culture and Innovation
Afrofuturism as a Design Strategy
Whose Knowledge Is It? Reclaiming Histories, Narratives, and the Plurality of Knowledge
Nonhierarchical Engagement with Communities—Anti-Racist Design Community Pop-Up
This is a critique of design and a practical handbook that will teach designers and educators how a restorative justice approach can transform their design practice to counteract and fight racism.
TIMELY AND ESSENTIAL Thought-provoking essays from leaders in design diversity offer an anti-racist approach to design practice based in an understanding of history, a focus on community building, and a commitment to inclusion.
AUTHOR & Omari Souza is an Assistant Professor of Communication Design at the University of North Texas and co-host of the highly acclaimed minisode podcast The Design of Business | The Business of Design. Contributors include preeminent design professionals George Fourlas, Shamika Klassen, Kaleena Sales, Zariah Cameron, Lesley-Ann Noel, Cassini Nazir, Yolanda A. Rankin, Soniyah Robinson, and Danielle Lake.
Perfect
Student and professional design practitioners of all disciplines, including graphic designers, product designers, architects, and more
Course adoption for design programs
Anyone eager to explore the themes of anti-racism and decolonizing design
Design profoundly influences culture. The heart of this book is its powerful blend of essays on design history, illustrated case studies, and discussions of practical methods to approach design work, adapted from the restorative justice movement. It explores how design as a professional practice and academic discipline directly affects historically excluded communities, offering frameworks and examples that foster collective improvement.
Topics from author Omari Souza, founder of the annual State of Black Design conference, and contributing design professionals
Unveiling the White The Narrative of Whiteness and Colonial Nostalgia
Language as a Tool for Marginalization—and Resistance
Hip-Hop Transforming Spaces through Culture and Innovation
Afrofuturism as a Design Strategy
Whose Knowledge Is It? Reclaiming Histories, Narratives, and the Plurality of Knowledge
Nonhierarchical Engagement with Communities—Anti-Racist Design Community Pop-Up
This is a critique of design and a practical handbook that will teach designers and educators how a restorative justice approach can transform their design practice to counteract and fight racism.
TIMELY AND ESSENTIAL Thought-provoking essays from leaders in design diversity offer an anti-racist approach to design practice based in an understanding of history, a focus on community building, and a commitment to inclusion.
AUTHOR & Omari Souza is an Assistant Professor of Communication Design at the University of North Texas and co-host of the highly acclaimed minisode podcast The Design of Business | The Business of Design. Contributors include preeminent design professionals George Fourlas, Shamika Klassen, Kaleena Sales, Zariah Cameron, Lesley-Ann Noel, Cassini Nazir, Yolanda A. Rankin, Soniyah Robinson, and Danielle Lake.
Perfect
Student and professional design practitioners of all disciplines, including graphic designers, product designers, architects, and more
Course adoption for design programs
Anyone eager to explore the themes of anti-racism and decolonizing design
256 pages, Paperback
Published October 7, 2025
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May 12, 2025
Book Review: Design Against Racism: Creating Work That Transforms Communities by Omari Souza
Omari Souza’s Design Against Racism: Creating Work That Transforms Communities is a compelling and necessary contribution to the discourse on design, social justice, and systemic change. The book bridges the gap between theory and practice, offering a framework for designers, educators, and activists to leverage their skills in dismantling racist structures while fostering equitable and inclusive communities. Souza’s work is both a manifesto and a manual, blending personal narrative, historical context, and actionable strategies to inspire and guide readers toward meaningful intervention through design.
Content and Structure
The book is organized into three key sections:
Understanding Racism in Design – Souza begins by dissecting how racism is embedded in design practices, from urban planning to branding, and how these decisions perpetuate inequality. He challenges readers to recognize design not as a neutral act but as a political and social force.
Case Studies and Community-Centered Approaches – The heart of the book lies in its real-world examples. Souza presents projects where design has been used to combat racism, amplify marginalized voices, and reshape public spaces. These case studies serve as blueprints for readers, demonstrating how theory translates into tangible impact.
Strategies for Transformation – The final section provides practical methodologies for designers and educators to integrate anti-racist principles into their work. Souza emphasizes collaboration, ethical engagement, and long-term commitment over performative activism.
Strengths
Accessible yet Scholarly – Souza writes with clarity, making complex theories approachable without sacrificing depth. His tone is urgent yet hopeful, balancing critique with constructive solutions.
Interdisciplinary Relevance – While primarily aimed at designers, the book’s insights extend to urban planners, policymakers, educators, and activists, making it a versatile resource.
Action-Oriented – Unlike many theoretical texts, this book prioritizes actionable steps, ensuring readers leave with tools rather than just ideas.
Areas for Improvement
Expanded Global Perspective – The case studies are predominantly U.S.-focused; incorporating more international examples could broaden applicability.
Deeper Engagement with Resistance – While Souza acknowledges pushback against anti-racist initiatives, more discussion on navigating institutional resistance would strengthen the book’s practicality.
Score Breakdown (Out of 5)
Originality & Contribution to Field: 4.5/5
Clarity & Writing Style: 4.5/5
Practical Application: 4/5
Depth of Research: 4/5
Engagement & Impact: 5/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Design Against Racism is a vital read for anyone invested in using creative disciplines as tools for justice. Souza’s work is timely, resonant, and, most importantly, useful. It doesn’t just diagnose problems—it equips readers to be part of the solution.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to NetGalley and the author, Omari Souza, for providing an advance copy of Design Against Racism: Creating Work That Transforms Communities for review. This book is a crucial addition to the conversation on design and equity, and I appreciate the opportunity to engage with it.
Omari Souza’s Design Against Racism: Creating Work That Transforms Communities is a compelling and necessary contribution to the discourse on design, social justice, and systemic change. The book bridges the gap between theory and practice, offering a framework for designers, educators, and activists to leverage their skills in dismantling racist structures while fostering equitable and inclusive communities. Souza’s work is both a manifesto and a manual, blending personal narrative, historical context, and actionable strategies to inspire and guide readers toward meaningful intervention through design.
Content and Structure
The book is organized into three key sections:
Understanding Racism in Design – Souza begins by dissecting how racism is embedded in design practices, from urban planning to branding, and how these decisions perpetuate inequality. He challenges readers to recognize design not as a neutral act but as a political and social force.
Case Studies and Community-Centered Approaches – The heart of the book lies in its real-world examples. Souza presents projects where design has been used to combat racism, amplify marginalized voices, and reshape public spaces. These case studies serve as blueprints for readers, demonstrating how theory translates into tangible impact.
Strategies for Transformation – The final section provides practical methodologies for designers and educators to integrate anti-racist principles into their work. Souza emphasizes collaboration, ethical engagement, and long-term commitment over performative activism.
Strengths
Accessible yet Scholarly – Souza writes with clarity, making complex theories approachable without sacrificing depth. His tone is urgent yet hopeful, balancing critique with constructive solutions.
Interdisciplinary Relevance – While primarily aimed at designers, the book’s insights extend to urban planners, policymakers, educators, and activists, making it a versatile resource.
Action-Oriented – Unlike many theoretical texts, this book prioritizes actionable steps, ensuring readers leave with tools rather than just ideas.
Areas for Improvement
Expanded Global Perspective – The case studies are predominantly U.S.-focused; incorporating more international examples could broaden applicability.
Deeper Engagement with Resistance – While Souza acknowledges pushback against anti-racist initiatives, more discussion on navigating institutional resistance would strengthen the book’s practicality.
Score Breakdown (Out of 5)
Originality & Contribution to Field: 4.5/5
Clarity & Writing Style: 4.5/5
Practical Application: 4/5
Depth of Research: 4/5
Engagement & Impact: 5/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Design Against Racism is a vital read for anyone invested in using creative disciplines as tools for justice. Souza’s work is timely, resonant, and, most importantly, useful. It doesn’t just diagnose problems—it equips readers to be part of the solution.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to NetGalley and the author, Omari Souza, for providing an advance copy of Design Against Racism: Creating Work That Transforms Communities for review. This book is a crucial addition to the conversation on design and equity, and I appreciate the opportunity to engage with it.
Displaying 1 of 1 review