Bitch Hunt

by Taetrece Harrison

In the United States of America, racism against Black women still reigns unjustly; from within the secluded judge's chambers to the courthouse parking lot, we are presented with five different incidents where powerful Black women are forced to come face to face with being on the other side of the law.

Follow the stories of Taetrece Ann Harrison, Desirée Mary Charbonnet, Gay Polk-Payton, Angela Stokes, and Rhonda Crawford as their experiences in the Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, and Illinois judicial systems as both attorneys and judges are explored.

Connected by one simple, yet complex dynamic-Black womanhood-what will the end game be for these women who are committed to upholding and enforcing what is right? Will they succumb to the pressures of America's hand, or will they push forward in the face of adversity?

Genres: Nonfiction

118 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 2020

Reviews

[Ioana Soare thesunbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great book, heartbreaking and eye-opening. Reading about these Black women and their lives was a unique experience, all the stories were incredible.

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

These powerful stories of black women facing obstacles and racism in the legal profession are important and moving. These professionals are attacked for being too bold, too outspoken, and too ambitious. More stories like these from Harrison need to be told.

I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jennifer-Cari · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book sheds a light on how even when working from within to improve the system, Black Women, no matter how educated, accomplished, or well-connected are still vulnerable to mistreatment at the hands of our country’s so called justice system. A sad but necessary read.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It should come as no surprise to anyone at this point that Black women have been treated unfairly by the US justice system for hundreds of years. What makes these stories even more heartbreaking is that these women were/are working actively in the system to make a change for good, yet are put through so many more hoops (or just straight-up wrongfully accused) than their white counterparts. A very quick and straightforward read for anyone who wants to gain insight on a several flaws in our legal system.

[Tiffany K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how to the point this books was. Great stories that definitely depicted the injustices we see everyday against black women within the justice system.

[Sovereign Noir · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic! Knowing that we exist in a White Supremacist and patriarchal society that fundamentally disparages Black women, I had a working understanding that even within the judicial system, Black women would experience misgynoir. What I didn't know, though, was the pure extent to which Black women lawyers and judges were essentially crucified via their peers and the media.

The content was very heavy to digest despite it being a quick read. It really made me contemplate how to support Black women across industries because it seems that we all have the same problem no matter our socioeconomic status or geographic location. This is definitely a book that needs to be read by as many people in the law field as possible.

[Shruti Chhabra · Rating 3 out of 5]

My race needs no special defence, for the past history of them in this country proves them to be equal of any people anywhere. All they need is an equal chance in the battle of life.
—Robert Smalls, U.S. congressman, 1895
Racism is real, and though it feels unreal, it still exists even in the most powerful nation, The United Nations. Harrison follows the real stories of Desire Mary Charbonnet, Gay Polk-Payton, Angela Stokes, and Rhonda Crawford as their experiences in the Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, and Illinois judicial systems as both attorneys and judges are explored.
The chronological narratives show us the various loopholes in the law system used to the advantage of the oppressors (mainly white) upon women of colour who worked hard to make a life for themselves and carve a niche in the world of law and order.
It broke my heart to read that what took decades to be built by these women was destroyed in months. Prompting one of the accused to take her own life. Nothing was done to bring the perpetrator to the books since all this was done according to the law.
The cases in this book give a detailed insight into how the system can be turned against people of colour within the system with an immaculate record. The racism reins against black women from the secluded judge's chambers to the empty parking lots.
The book broke my heart, albeit it gave me insight into the country's law system, which has a Statue of Liberty standing tall on its shores. What is horrifying is that these are the only few Harrison chose to follow and write about; what about the others that couldn't be made to this list.
A must-read book.
I'm not concerned with your liking or disliking me. All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.
—Jackie Robinson, Major League Baseball player, 1954

[Empress of Bookingham]

“I stood in my truth because I needed the next woman to know that she needs to know that being a victim is not an option, but being a champion for herself is possible because I did it.”

What is it about the color of our skin that can make one turn on another? Why is it despite having the same blood running through our veins that we deem another race inferior than the other? Who will fight against such injustices? ?

Taetrece delves deep into the lives of five extraordinary African American women who have sworn to do right by the judicial system and help others but in turn have been hunted, vilified and even 'hunged'. Losing their standing in society, their self respect and their livelihood that they were so passionate about.

Could have things have gone different for these five women if their skin color/race were different? What of all the great they did for the community? Will the system be always be rigged against them?

These real life stories go into details on how the system can work against people of color who work for the system, in a manner as if they were common everyday working citizens.

And as much as the author points out this gruesome injustices she does not subscribe to the victim mentality and did fight through the adversity to champion for herself. And as a set example, Harrison, advocates to other African American women to keep on fighting for change begins with them.

"...The women I know
Are strong and proud
They have walked through the mud of life and environment
Only to emerge, victorious
They have suffered the slings and arrows of adversity and wrong
Stumbling but not going down.
Loving, Living, Prospering
The women I know...”

Donnias Harrison

[Karen Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Black woman born and raised in the US I am well versed in the #misogynoir (dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against Black women. "misogynoir shows how sexism and racism manifest in Black women's lives to create intersecting forms of oppression") inherent in this country. There are many negative stereotypes about Black women across all socioeconomic classes even unsurprisingly in elite professions in the law.

Bitch Hunt is the true stories of the discrimination, mistreatment and struggles of Black woman attorneys and jurists in the US criminal justice system as they advocate for their clients and preside over cases, including the author herself. The battles that these women have to endure compared to their white counterparts should be criminal in of itself.

Bitch Hunt is an indictment of the US justice system. It is at times a hard book to read but it is filled with powerful stories that need to be told and heard by everyone who cares about social justice the world over. The author does a wonderful job of presenting her case that the US Justice system is structurally racist and purposefully discriminates against and disparages Black women attorneys and jurists.

These women's stories will shock, anger and move you but like me I hope it will make you feel even more respect for the strength, fortitude and perseverance of Black women.

[Senali · Rating 4 out of 5]

" I stood for those women who are too afraid to do something for themselves, for women who do not have the resources to fight back, for those little girls who will one day become women. "

Taetrece Harrison in her debut book "Bitch Hunt" , reflects some real life stories of 5 women , who were deprived of a fair life just because they had a dark skin colour. Through these stories , the author shows how the black women have to put an extra effort in life just to live in a society where a person is judged by his / her complexion nonetheless of their talents nor profession. All these women being attorneys itself emphasizes the depth of the injust experiences they confront in life.

Reading through the pages , I remembered Maya Angelou's poem , "Still I Rise" which aligns with what Taetrece highlights in her book.

"Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide."

Yes! These ladies are strong. But they deserve a better society. The society must change as to never let a person end up like Rhonda.

[Siddhi Palande · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beyond 5 stars and is a must read!

Demons of racism still persist. Racism is deep rooted in American history. But we have also been a witness to its imprints elsewhere around the world. We have heard so many stories of false incarceration. And those are scary and painful. So many authors have spoken against racism and so many still do. Like Author Taetrece Harrison. Author Taetrece Harrison brings an anthology of 5 such stories in her book Bitch Hunt.

Bitch Hunt consists of stories of 5 Black women attorneys who faced injustice at the different junctures of their career. These stories deal with racism and also carry the burns of sexism and bullying. The women portrayed the in book, namely - Desirée Mary Charbonnet, Gay Polk-Payton, Angela Stokes, Rhonda Crawford, and the author herself - are practicing attorneys and elected officials! Reading these stories one is sure to seethe within at the injustice meted out at the women like them!©

Read the entire book review here 👇
https://ofbookbabiesandmore.wordpress...

[sgt_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis: A collection of 5 micro-biographies, including the author’s own, shining a light on how the justice system treats the black women that work within and strive to uphold it.
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Review: This may be the most important book that I read all year, and it will most definitely be one that sticks with me. Throughout this book, your read about five incredible black women at the height of their careers whose lives are thrown into turmoil by hatred and fear.

This book hit especially close to home for me as my husband is currently going through law school. I found myself asking at the end of each chapter if he had heard of the woman (spoiler: he hadn’t). This led to a lot of great conversations about the justice system and the embedded, institutionalized racism that is still rampant in the field.

I do recommend this book if you’re aiming to take a critical look at race in this country, and specifically at how black women in this country can fight and rise and still be knocked down. Trigger warning for suicide in the last biography.

[Harsh Tyagi · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book we follow the stories of Desirée Mary Charbonnet, Gay Polk-Payton, Angela Stokes, Rhonda Crawford, and Taetrece Harrison, the author herself. They happen to be some of the most prestigious Black judges and attorneys in the legal system of the United States of America, where racism against black women still reigns unjustly. In the book we are introduced to the experiences in the judicial systems of these women in positions of power.

The book is a powerful read, and brilliant debut with a motive. It shines a light on the injustice in the country and the racism faced by the minorities. The narratives are clear, precise and moving. The writing is gripping, the varied timelines for each woman's account helps in keeping the things interesting. In the least of words, this book is a portrayal of reality and also sends the message to be determined and to never give up. Recommended reading!

[Holly (bibliophiles_bookstagram) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taetrece Harrison brings to light the stories of five black women in politics. Five women attorneys who worked and worked, against a system not made for them, to find a way through. Their stories are powerful and strong, and they need to be heard.

“It was evident to me, had I been a white, female attorney, approached by the same person and had I called the police, he would’ve been arrested - case closed. A white, female attorney would’ve been afforded the benefit of the doubt, that she was defending herself, whereas a black woman attorney would be viewed as the aggressor.”

She’s exactly right, and it’s so very wrong. Stories like this need to be told, and change needs to happen.

[Patty Baumeister · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Book Review
Bitch Hunt
Written By Taetrece Harrison
Nonfiction
Published 2020
144 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book outlines the injustices faced by five black women. One of the five women is the author. These women are lawyers who also strived to be judges. The women lived in Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, and Illinois. Each individual worked hard to reach their career goal only to have their success threatened by others.

“…being a woman with a strong personality can be intimidating for many people , it you must stand up and be true to yourself no matter what happens.”

[Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harrison wrote that she felt these women’s stories were ones that “needed to be told”. She was absolutely right. Often the corrupt justice system is discussed as it relates to the inherent racism. The more mainstream and stereotypical cases being associated with petty and violent crimes and drugs. We don’t see it from the perspective of the successful attorneys, the strong black women that were also screwed by the justice system and the racism within the institution. I’m glad these women’s stories are being told!

The main reason I gave it 3 stars, however, was because I found numerous grammatical errors and the overall writing style to be lacking with how the last four stories flowed

[Afreen Khalil Inscribed Inklings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bitch Hunt by Taetrece Harrison📚



Bitch Hunt was a powerful, passionate and charismatic book about how women of colour are mistreated by the justice system and all systems in general. The book contains 5 stories of women in power who are brought down due to their race and gender. While some of us have the power and resources to fight back, not all of us have the same the resources. Sometimes, fighting back becomes a futile battle as the whole game is rigged for us to fail.

The author has bought the characters to life with her words. The writing style was articulate and emphatic. The tone of the book was cautionary and clear. The pace of the book was fast. The theme of the book was fighting against injustice. The stories had me feeling angered and sad at the same time. I hope with more time we get the respect and justice we are entitled to.

If you are looking for a short, powerful read, this one is for you.

Rating- ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

- Afreen Khalil

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an amazing book! Eye-opening yet heartbreaking. But stories that need to be told. This is a book about 5 black women in politics and the prejudices they endured, which could have, and in some cases, ended their careers. The emotion and fierceness that you read in this book are captivating along with stories themselves. The story about Rhonaa Crawford broke my heart. Thank you to the author for keeping these women in the public eye.