Anti-Racism (Words of Change series): Powerful Voices, Inspiring Ideas

by Kenrya Rankin

Antiracism is at the forefront of the national discussion today as people seek to challenge racial injustice and inequality. Activist and author Kenrya Rankin has compiled thoughtful and incisive passages from leading antiracist voices past and present in this must-have collection for everyone who cares about promoting racial equity.

Kenrya Rankin celebrates resistance by centering and honoring antiracist voices, past and present. This exciting collection showcases passages from the writings or speeches of thinkers and activists in the antiracist community--these are words to enlighten, to prompt change, to provide encouragement, and to move readers to action. A brief biographical note for each person quoted gives context to their words through a look at their life and work. The bold and colorful design underlines the energy and movement toward real change.

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Justice, Race, Anti Racist, Social Issues, Activism

160 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2020

About the author

Kenrya Rankin a.k.a. Kenrya Rankin Naasel

Kenrya Rankin is an award-winning author, journalist, and editorial consultant whose insight has been tapped by leading outlets, including the New York Times, the Huffington Post, and ThinkProgress. She creates dynamic content that amplifies the lived experiences, advocacy, and work of people of color and shifts the narrative around who deserves liberation, justice, and dignity in America. A 20-year veteran in the editorial space, she is also Executive Producer and Co-host of The Turn On podcast and Principal at Perfectly Said Studio. As a journalist and editor, her work has appeared in dozens of publications, including Fast Company, Essence, Glamour and Reader's Digest. She is the author of five books, including "How We Fight White Supremacy" and the forthcoming "Anti-Racism: Powerful Voices, Inspiring Ideas." Kenrya earned her undergraduate degree in journalism from Howard University and her master’s degree in publishing from New York University. She is a proud native of Cleveland, Ohio, and currently lives in the Washington, D.C. area with her brilliant artist daughter. Find her online at Kenrya.com and @Kenrya on all of the things.

Reviews

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a GoodReads Giveaways. It is a quick read made up of pictures of famous people paired with anti-racism quotes. Definitely worth a read, and there were a lot of quotes and people I hadn't heard of before, so it's led me to do more research.

[Isra · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the author of 'How We Fight White Supremacy' comes a compilation book filled with inspiration and quotes from a diverse background of visionaries such as AOC, Henry Thoreau and Malcolm X among so many others. I received an advanced copy to review and this is the kind of book you want to purchase in hard cover and keep accessible on your coffee table to flip through when inspiration strikes. I did order a hard copy as well. Several pages have a full page black and white photo of the person quoted and the opposite page is in bold typeface on a bright colored page. I especially enjoyed Rankin's introduction to the book comparing white supremacy to a ladder..at the highest rungs, the air is clear and smog does not exist, and as such white educated men stand firm there and as you go lower on the rungs of the ladder so are the gender, race, class biases. I like this even for teens as a primer to learning about racism, as they can start to hear from the most influential and brightest minds of our times saying how to be anti-racist and what it looks like.

[Parker (Paperback Parker) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Sasquatch Books/Spruce Books for providing me with an E-ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

For what it is, "Anti-Racism (Words of Change Series)" by Kenrya Rankin is wonderful. However, before starting it, I had a whole different idea of what this book might be. I did not realize that it was literally just a book full of quotes about anti-racism. I thought perhaps it would be different essays and such on the topic. Nope! But my misunderstanding was entirely my mistake, and I obviously don't blame the author or publisher for that.

So considering what it actually was, it was fantastic. I thought all of the quotes the author chose were great additions, and I loved the graphic design of the book. I think if you're especially looking to introduce yourself to new ideas, but are specifically looking for a quick read, this would be perfect. It doesn't offer much beyond the introduction of ideas and concepts, and it would be the responsibility of the reader to further educate themselves on this topic through other books and media. But of course, I believe this is exactly the purpose of this book, so I don't consider that a fault of it whatsoever.

One thing I specifically appreciated in this book was the inclusion of pronouns in the biography section for the sources. For example, one of the quotes was from Serena Williams. So in that section the author wrote "Serena Williams, (she/her)" or something along those lines, I don't see that often, and although the majority of the sources use binary pronouns, it was an awesome addition.

There really isn't much to critique or talk about in regards to this book, so this review is pretty short and sweet - just like the book itself! It's a solid 4/5 stars for me. Definitely check it out if you're interested!

[Vidya Tiru · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I have to say I love the concept of the book, a collection of inspiring quotes that you normally might not see or hear. I also appreciated that Rankin includes quotes from people across the board; from those we all know like Serena Williams and Barack Obama to others we might all not know well or be familiar with like Deepa Iyer and Ellen Pence; people across borders and ages. It is inspiring, colorful, and powerful, interspersed with photos of the personalities. Don’t forget to read the brief bio of every quoted figure at the back of the book.

This book is a great intro to people we need to know and to get inspired by their thoughts on race, color, creed, and how we can change things for the better.

When I picked this book, I knew it would include quotes but did not realize it was only quotes. Given that the book is intended to be such, it serves as a wonderful introduction to people, ideas, and concepts, and to inspire its readers to learn and understand more. It will certainly be even more wonderful if the book categorizes the quotes by their core ideas and include short essays by the author/others for each section. Also, including the bios of the people along with their quotes will definitely make it more impactful and informational.

All in all, this first in the Words of Change series is one to check out, and bring about a world of change!!!

Source: NetGalley digital review copy. Thanks to NetGalley for the copy. these are my honest opinions.

[MH · Rating 3 out of 5]

A colorful little book with a quote a page, each no longer than a few sentences and addressing elements of activism, racism, or intersectionality. The quotes are less in communication with one another than they are, often, in conflict - James Baldwin's warning of a reckoning sits uneasily with some of the more hopeful authors, proper white allyship continues to be hard to define, and Rankin's introduction comparing white supremacy to a ladder explicitly posits the subject as hierarchical rather than intersectional (something none of the following quotes agree with). Most of the authors quoted are writers and activists, and there are many historical figures, but I'm really surprised about who is included and excluded in the book (Ellen Pompeo and the guy who plays Asher in How to Get Away With Murder are quoted, but Amiri Baraka and Ralph Ellison aren't; and the world of hip hop, which is full of quotable activism, is all but missing). Still, it's a good book for young people who might find new ideas to process and be provoked by (and who, hopefully, might be inspired to read more).

I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

[Jessi · Rating 2 out of 5]

The things being said in this book are important, but I'm not 100% sure why the book exists. It's literally just a collection of quotes on colorful backgrounds, a few pictures here and there. It's not educational or informative, really- the ideas being presented are not shared in a persuasive manner. People who agree with the concepts in the book are not necessarily going to need a gift book (and let's be honest, that's what this is) about being anti-racist. The people who need to work on becoming anti-racist are probably not going to look at this in the first place, but even if they did, it's not compelling enough to change minds. It honestly strikes me as something a woke white person would gift to another woke white person to help both the gift giver and gift receiver feel a little better about themselves.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This small book is not just a collection of powerful words on colourful pages, it is a directory of people whose clarity of thought and strength of voice rings true. These are the elders, young and old who see something, say something.
This may not be just a book of pithy phrases. It might be a key to guide those who listen towards lives of purpose and wisdom. The lives that have already been lived both strong and familiar or those that we may not know, yet, and also the lives that we want willed into being. Guidance for the journey that we all are on. Guidance to bend the rage or despair of another dark night or bleak morning. Bending our thoughts toward clarity, justice and dignity.
A small book full of big thoughts.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me access to this book by Kenrya Rankin.

It consists of quotes in the voice of anti-racists and activists that challenge racism, inequality and white supremacy and encourages one to take a stand and recognise white privilege. It does not educate the reader but inspires them to in the words of Zack Linly "do their own part".

This is a great start for anyone who is looking to read anti-racist and own voices non-ficton.

"My struggle has made me fierce, and we all need to be a little fierce to get things done." Deb Halland

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of quotes from various activists and personalities. Some of the people included may be questionable to certain people without a further dive into history or context. While the book’s title talks about anti-racism, there is a lot of intersectionality here and other activists for indigenous peoples. There’s a very brief bio of people quoted in the back to wet your whistle for further reading. A good intro to teens who maybe are just hearing about anti-racism for the first time, but it’s lack of coherence May disappoint people looking for a more meaty book on the topic. Many thanks for my copy won through a Goodreads Giveaway!

[em · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this collection of quotes from influential people in the world who have spoken out about and against racism, especially in the United States. The book was shorter and easy to get through, it would be great to read a quote a day or base discussions around these quotes. Further, I really enjoyed the book visually, all the colours and including photos of the invidious speaking the quotes. Lastly, the author included mini biographies on each of the contributors, which I really appreciated to provide context. Great resource!

[Kayla]

I love this little book of quotes because these are not the typical quotes that are published and re-published over and over again. This book includes quotes from a range of influential anti-racists who are prominent in our society today as well as figures from the past who will remain essential in our ongoing battle against systematic racism. This is definitely worth reading, re-reading, and sharing with everyone you know.

[Becka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really didn't want to chuck this on a pile of books that I haven't reviewed due to formatting so, despite being unable to read this ARC, I'm giving it a reading.
I plan to getting a copy of this once it's released as I was so looking forward to reading it.

[Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Its a book about quotes so it is easy to read and reference. I have it on my coffee table as a quick read! The writer did a fantastic job of capturing the many ways that people can fight racism every day.

[Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Please seek out own voices reviews*
This is a wonderful collection of quotes around anti-racism. It’s colorful. There’s some photos of those quoted. It would definitely be on every bookshelf.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book to dive into and ponder on and really look at how you affect yourself and other people.

[Trina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of very powerful quotes from across time and race, on antiracism. Take your time to really think about each quote.

[Nicole Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love quotes & quote books and this one was a must read, if not a must own. I love the way words can move and inspire and encourage people & I found inspiration in all of these quotes.

[Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small colorful book with quotes about racism. Nicely done and thoughtful.

[Sandra VonniessenApplebee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super quick read lots of fabulous and impactful quotes from key people some well known and some less well known

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I look forward for the day when we call out white supremacy for what it truly is, white extremism.

[Naomi Phung · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 - Great, inspiring, quick read.

Love this little book of powerful quotes.

[Rebecca Plaza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of nuggets to contemplate and share with students or for students to discover themselves.

[Jennie Seaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! Everything about this book. Yes! I wanted to pull one of the quotes out and it was so hard deciding because they were all so amazing.

"If you're seeing your White counterparts engage in White privilege behind closed doors and engaging in racism, it's your job as a White person to use your White privilege to let them know why that's so fucked up." - Jonathan van Ness

This collection of quotes was amazing. I want to have this book on my coffee table forever. I want to carry it around with me everywhere to have access to it at all times. Everyone needs to read this book and then go do more learning. I have been on this journey towards anti-racism for a while and it is long and challenging. It's constantly learning and accepting that you don't know everything. I think that this book is a great place to start. It gives everyone a place to start getting used to the idea and to start learning. Then, reading the little biographies in the back, you can choose other authors to learn from and read. I loved this!

*eARC provided in exchange for an honest review*

[Mx Phoebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

To pick just one voice or one quote that I like in Kenrya Rankin’s Anti-Racism is impossible. Who would want to? Compilations of stories and ideas are some of my favorite types of books, as you can read by looking at my “Must Read” list. This book will now be on that list.

This book is part of the “Words of Change” series and I firmly believe that words can change someone’s viewpoint or I would not be a reader or a writer. This is a book that should be read aloud in classrooms and discussed. Y’all know how I like to read these books, small doses at a time to really savor the idea and discuss it with someone else. These are the books that you bring to dinner parties to initiate conversation and ideas.

Thank you to Kenrya Rankin for compiling this beautiful and important piece of work. This is a book that I will reference constantly.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anti-Racism (Words of Change series) is a colorful, striking book that combines nearly everything I love: superb photography, pops of color, amazing typography and easy-to-digest content.

It’s essentially an inspirational pocket guide on how to be a better human. In it, activist and author Kenrya Rankin brings together the voices from our present and past. And those include motivational quotes and advice from well-known authors, athletes, world leaders, activists, movie stars and journalists.

While I love it, it’s especially a great book for young people as it will inspire the next generation to become agents for change.

Seriously, you need to buy this gem for your own coffee table. (Or your loo)!


Many thanks to NetGalley and Sasquatch Books for sharing an electronic copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Mary Bronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC to give an honest review.

I thought this was such a great mixture of quotes from people through out history and in the present day. These quotes touch on racism and how to be anti-racist and just overall very powerful. I like how this is geared toward young adult, but I do also think that everyone should read this.

[Eliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an inspiring book about ways to fight racism in our daily lives.