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Teaching Black History to White People
Leonard Moore has been teaching Black history for twenty-five years, mostly to white people. Drawing on decades of experience in the classroom and on college campuses throughout the South, as well as on his own personal history, Moore illustrates how an understanding of Black history is necessary for everyone. With Teaching Black History to White People , which is “part memoir, part Black history, part pedagogy, and part how-to guide,” Moore delivers an accessible and engaging primer on the Black experience in America. He poses provocative questions, such as “Why is the teaching of Black history so controversial?” and “What came first: slavery or racism?” These questions don’t have easy answers, and Moore insists that embracing discomfort is necessary for engaging in open and honest conversations about race. Moore includes a syllabus and other tools for actionable steps that white people can take to move beyond performative justice and toward racial reparations, healing, and reconciliation.
184 pages, Hardcover
Published September 14, 2021
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547 people want to read
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December 21, 2024
June 29, 2023: After reading the majority decision and concurring opinions handed down in the Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College that was made public today, I realized I haven't felt this way since September 11, 2001. Ignoring the reality of racism is now law here. This is the book they don't want you to read to begin to learn more. It has nothing in common with Clarence Thomas's rewriting of history in this decision that belongs to the tradition of Dred Scott and Plessy.
Original Review
American history, politics, governing, culture, and contemporary times are dominated by race, whether perceivable or not. The influence of race on every part of American life makes understanding and dealing with it essential if the American Experiment is to continue to evolve so that all of its citizens have opportunities to realize their potential. Yet deep down, many non-Black Americans deny the past and oversimplify current reality and the future to suit their innermost needs. While race relations have played out overtly in history and the news, the core motivations are rarely acknowledged. It’s easier, for example, to make critical race theory (CRT) an issue than actually examine why it is an existential issue, or so it seems, for some. Hint: it’s all about the middle word.
Moore knows of what he writes; it’s inescapable in every clear word of every page of this short book. Instead of trying to explain issues like slavery, Jim Crow, and the Civil Rights Movement, Moore outlines very simply WHY these and other issues matter. Knowing more about these issues alone would create opportunities for discussion and unity, not in the way current policy makers and their voters use them as real and rhetorical cudgels and political agendas. I’ve spent a lifetime trying to figure this out. I’ve taught about slavery, African history, and government. It’s been an essential part of my life long intellectual and personal journey. And I ended up reading this in two sittings on Christmas Eve and Day because I had never seen things laid out so obviously before—matter-of-fact, inviting, and not scared of reality. I assume that public life would be very different if people internalized these messages and based their actions on them. Quite the opposite of what we see today and why I fear the end of the American Experiment will become official by January 2025. And why I fear the lessons of this book might get lost instead of shared widely. It’s no less than one blueprint to save the soul of America, something sadly, I think is too little, too late. But if there is a path out of this eventual march to American fascism, the reasoning of Moore’s experience and teaching must be a part of it. And although the focus of this book is thinking about Black history, it serves as a guidepost to integrate the myriad of cultural influences in the United States and to create a path forward with a respect for pluralism as the basis of our public discourse, not division.
Dr. Leonard Moore has taught Black American history for more than twenty years, first at Louisiana State University, and more recently at the University of Texas at Austin. He has, by his own estimate, taught more than 20,000 students, from what I can gather, at least half of them are white. He knows of what he writes and speaks. And he knows how to do it. So rather than go over the books, I’m pretty sure Dr. Moore will forgive me for excerpting such an extensive part of his book below. His recollection of a traffic stop is one that Black men and families in America find all too familiar. It is one of which I, as one who is not Black, cannot even conceive. In a way, this passage serves an American manifesto for our times. But it is, to me, the shortest and most direct anecdote to quickly understand the relevance of the title of his book.
The age of American supremacy, the days when, despite all its obvious flaws, the United States was still a beacon of security and freedom, are over. The reason it will remain so is because we’ve never come to terms with race. If we choose to, there is time for redemption. Moore's narrative should be an essential part of that. If not, it’s fairly obvious right now where we’re heading.
Original Review
Diese unmenschliche Welt muß menschlicher werden“Every white person in America should be required to take a Black history class in either high school or college. Period.” Considering Blacks make up about 14% of the American population, that’s an audacious way for Leonard Moore to begin his book. Why should requiring the 86% learn about the 14% be a high priority? Moore's concise and accessible work answers the question. So in my perfect world, every American would be obliged to read it.
Aber wie? Aber wie?
(This inhuman world must become more human
But how? But how?)
Friedrich Dürrenmatt, Die Wiedertäufer
American history, politics, governing, culture, and contemporary times are dominated by race, whether perceivable or not. The influence of race on every part of American life makes understanding and dealing with it essential if the American Experiment is to continue to evolve so that all of its citizens have opportunities to realize their potential. Yet deep down, many non-Black Americans deny the past and oversimplify current reality and the future to suit their innermost needs. While race relations have played out overtly in history and the news, the core motivations are rarely acknowledged. It’s easier, for example, to make critical race theory (CRT) an issue than actually examine why it is an existential issue, or so it seems, for some. Hint: it’s all about the middle word.
Moore knows of what he writes; it’s inescapable in every clear word of every page of this short book. Instead of trying to explain issues like slavery, Jim Crow, and the Civil Rights Movement, Moore outlines very simply WHY these and other issues matter. Knowing more about these issues alone would create opportunities for discussion and unity, not in the way current policy makers and their voters use them as real and rhetorical cudgels and political agendas. I’ve spent a lifetime trying to figure this out. I’ve taught about slavery, African history, and government. It’s been an essential part of my life long intellectual and personal journey. And I ended up reading this in two sittings on Christmas Eve and Day because I had never seen things laid out so obviously before—matter-of-fact, inviting, and not scared of reality. I assume that public life would be very different if people internalized these messages and based their actions on them. Quite the opposite of what we see today and why I fear the end of the American Experiment will become official by January 2025. And why I fear the lessons of this book might get lost instead of shared widely. It’s no less than one blueprint to save the soul of America, something sadly, I think is too little, too late. But if there is a path out of this eventual march to American fascism, the reasoning of Moore’s experience and teaching must be a part of it. And although the focus of this book is thinking about Black history, it serves as a guidepost to integrate the myriad of cultural influences in the United States and to create a path forward with a respect for pluralism as the basis of our public discourse, not division.
Dr. Leonard Moore has taught Black American history for more than twenty years, first at Louisiana State University, and more recently at the University of Texas at Austin. He has, by his own estimate, taught more than 20,000 students, from what I can gather, at least half of them are white. He knows of what he writes and speaks. And he knows how to do it. So rather than go over the books, I’m pretty sure Dr. Moore will forgive me for excerpting such an extensive part of his book below. His recollection of a traffic stop is one that Black men and families in America find all too familiar. It is one of which I, as one who is not Black, cannot even conceive. In a way, this passage serves an American manifesto for our times. But it is, to me, the shortest and most direct anecdote to quickly understand the relevance of the title of his book.
I was stopped with my family in Bailey County, Texas, right inside the Texas border from New Mexico. It was me, my wife, and my three children, who were thirteen, eleven, and nine at the time.If this scene is either too familiar or too foreign to your experience, if you are an American, I can think of no more effective way of understanding why this book matters to us all. I had two initial thoughts after reading this. The first was utter disgust and despair that anyone in the United States of America has to go through this (it’s honestly difficult, no matter how many times I read it, to get through this with becoming emotional and momentarily paralyzed). The second was, how does one come into a position of authority and be so contemptuous of the idea of fairness, justice, and most importantly, the law. How about common decency?
“Officer, why did you pull me over?”
“Because when you changed lanes you didn’t give the eighteen-wheeler in front of you enough space. You are supposed to have two car lengths between you and the next car when you switch lanes.”
“That’s why you pulled me over?”
“Yes. May I see your license and registration, please?”
“Do I have permission to get my license out of my wallet in my pocket and to look in the glove compartment for the registration? This is a rental car.”
“Yes.” After he looked at my license, he proceeded to ask a bunch of questions. “Where do you work?”
“I work at the University of Texas.”
“You drive all the way from Round Rock every day to work.”
“Yes, it’s only about a thirty minute commute.”
“What do you do at UT?”
“I’m a history professor.”
“How long have you been there?”
“Ten years.”
“Are you tenured?”
“Yes.”
“When did you get tenure?”
“I was tenured when they hired me in 2007 from LSU.”
“So, you teach history?”
“Yes.”
“What kind of history?”
“US history.”
I knew he was going to dig deeper to see what courses I taught. There was no way I was going to tell this guy I teach a class on the Black Power movement and a class called Race in the Age of Obama. No way!
“So, you don’t have a specialization. Most history professors specialize in something.”
“Yeah, I teach Southern history.” I was hoping he wouldn’t go to his car and pull up my classes on his laptop.”
“You said this is a rental car?”
“Yes.”
“What kind of car do you drive?”
“I have a Toyota Camry.”
“What about your wife? What kind of car does she have?”
“She drives a Honda Pilot.”
“What does your wife do for a living?”
“She directs a program at the University of Texas.”
Then, after the questioning was over, it was on to the next and most serious phase of the harassment.
“Mr. Moore, I’m going to need you to get out of the car and go sit in the front seat of my police cruiser.” Now, this is interesting. The dashcam points out of the windshield; it doesn’t show anything that happens in the car. I was directed to sit in the front seat, where his police gear is located, instead of the back, where most people are placed. There were two German shepherds behind me, and all I could think was, “Wow, all this officer has to do is pull out his gun and shoot me.” His defense could simply be, “Mr. Moore went for my weapon and I killed him in self-defense.”
I sat in the police car for fifteen minutes while my wife stood outside the rental car in tears. After fifteen minutes, the officer said, “You are free to go. Have a safe trip back to Round Rock.” That’s it. No apology. Nothing.
The age of American supremacy, the days when, despite all its obvious flaws, the United States was still a beacon of security and freedom, are over. The reason it will remain so is because we’ve never come to terms with race. If we choose to, there is time for redemption. Moore's narrative should be an essential part of that. If not, it’s fairly obvious right now where we’re heading.
July 30, 2021
Copy from Edelweiss for review consideration
"For a country that has been shaped by race, we do young people a disservice when we allow them to go through their K-12 years without a Black history course because we are afraid to confront the brutal realities of race in America."
As the author asserts in the early parts of this book, this is not a Black history on white people's terms. This book should not only be on high school and post-secondary curricula as widely as possible, and in libraries and bookstores, but also should serve as a guidepost to educators who continue to struggle with the lack of Black history education to students and hesitations over many necessary topics within the entire framework. Through fascinating and sometimes painful personal experiences the author relates from his time as a student, his decisions to pursue Black history as a career path and the life's work he has taken on as an educator to all of the areas and facets of the vast subject that many people continue to be unaware of, this book is an essential resource. It is so much more than what the author has experienced when teaching Black history not only to white people including students, parents, and others, but also to Black students and their experiences. The book also serves as a primer on all of the things people have NOT learned in Black history classes, and most importantly, it is from a Black viewpoint. Highly recommended.
"For a country that has been shaped by race, we do young people a disservice when we allow them to go through their K-12 years without a Black history course because we are afraid to confront the brutal realities of race in America."
As the author asserts in the early parts of this book, this is not a Black history on white people's terms. This book should not only be on high school and post-secondary curricula as widely as possible, and in libraries and bookstores, but also should serve as a guidepost to educators who continue to struggle with the lack of Black history education to students and hesitations over many necessary topics within the entire framework. Through fascinating and sometimes painful personal experiences the author relates from his time as a student, his decisions to pursue Black history as a career path and the life's work he has taken on as an educator to all of the areas and facets of the vast subject that many people continue to be unaware of, this book is an essential resource. It is so much more than what the author has experienced when teaching Black history not only to white people including students, parents, and others, but also to Black students and their experiences. The book also serves as a primer on all of the things people have NOT learned in Black history classes, and most importantly, it is from a Black viewpoint. Highly recommended.
April 26, 2023
being able to sit in dr. moore's black history class and listen to his lectures really amplifies his writing, so i have no idea what it would be like to read this book without also being his student. his passion for black history is so contagious. there are so many dimensions to black history, especially in the context of jim crow south and contemporary southern culture. i think he introduces those nuances really well because he's coming from a place where he really wants to build people's knowledge of black american history from the ground up
on an unrelated note, feels very full circle because i was in one of his classes during my first semester at UT and now i'm finishing up my last semester with another one of his classes. unreal
on an unrelated note, feels very full circle because i was in one of his classes during my first semester at UT and now i'm finishing up my last semester with another one of his classes. unreal
August 4, 2024
Saw this book at the Brown Library and felt compelled to read it during my summer vacation. I recommend this book to any white person regardless of where they find themselves on their journey to antiracism, unpacking their white privilege, and recognizing the history and structures of white supremacy that is imbedded in our country.
This book leads the reader to the necessary, foundational information regarding Black history and its ties to the current controversy when talking about race in educational spaces. I found the author's writing accessible and palatable for someone who has little to no knowledge on Black history, specifically as it is taught through a Black perspective as opposed to the white washed, diminished Black history many are taught in grade school. Not only does the author teach critical pieces of Black history, he also offers personal stories that help the reader further understand the daily oppression, violence, and microaggressions that Black men often endure in America today.
For white people who are further along in their journey to unlearning and commitment to antiracism, this book is still a useful read. Not only does the Black history taught in the book offer as good reminder that is necessary knowledge for any discussion with other white people regarding race and racism towards Black people in America, the author also offers his personal experience and strategies he used when talking to white people who are oftentimes ignorant, hostile, and uncomfortable when it comes to discussions on race in America. Overall, I found the book well organized, compelling, and inspiring for any person who is committed towards progressively transforming the way they have been conditioned to think about race in America.
This book leads the reader to the necessary, foundational information regarding Black history and its ties to the current controversy when talking about race in educational spaces. I found the author's writing accessible and palatable for someone who has little to no knowledge on Black history, specifically as it is taught through a Black perspective as opposed to the white washed, diminished Black history many are taught in grade school. Not only does the author teach critical pieces of Black history, he also offers personal stories that help the reader further understand the daily oppression, violence, and microaggressions that Black men often endure in America today.
For white people who are further along in their journey to unlearning and commitment to antiracism, this book is still a useful read. Not only does the Black history taught in the book offer as good reminder that is necessary knowledge for any discussion with other white people regarding race and racism towards Black people in America, the author also offers his personal experience and strategies he used when talking to white people who are oftentimes ignorant, hostile, and uncomfortable when it comes to discussions on race in America. Overall, I found the book well organized, compelling, and inspiring for any person who is committed towards progressively transforming the way they have been conditioned to think about race in America.
February 9, 2022
Good intro to the ideas, and great to hear first hand from someone doing this, but better as an introduction for folks just getting into this. Having said that, the chapter for what allies can do definitely made me think, and the reading list was a gold mine for educating myself about black history.
If I was a college student again, I would love to take his course, and wish its equivalent was required for my kids.
If I was a college student again, I would love to take his course, and wish its equivalent was required for my kids.
February 15, 2023
Succinct. Detailed and thorough. This is a hard hitting, blunt writing style that lays out how systems have unfair bias and how it affects communities for generations. It starts with how Africans (using Moore's terms) were brought here, what they faced as this nation was formed, the backlash their freedom brought them, how generational wealth has been constantly withheld. I would definitely recommend for everyone to grab this. Make it a gift to others. Add it in those lovely little free library boxes. Donate a copy to your local library if they don't have one.
February 8, 2025
This book is an eye-opening, essential read that breaks down systemic racism in a way that is both accessible and deeply impactful. One of the most powerful moments is his Monopoly analogy: Imagine playing for 400 rounds where one group isn’t allowed to earn money, buy property, or accumulate wealth, and then suddenly being told, “Okay, now it’s fair—go play!” This simple yet profound comparison makes it impossible to ignore how historical injustices continue to shape our present reality. Reading this book made me incredibly disappointed in the history education I received throughout my K-12 years, so much of what Moore discusses was either glossed over or completely omitted in school. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking to deepen your knowledge, this is a must-read for understanding Black history, systemic racism, and why acknowledging the past is crucial for moving forward.
April 16, 2024
Perhaps it was my assumption of the books' content--based on its title--but I was disappointed at the content in this book since it was less about pedagogical methods for making White students invest in Black History and more of a Black History 101 with some personal narrative woven in. The history content was accurate, concise, and important, but it was nothing new to me. Maybe it would be new to a novice history teacher whose education or reading had been lacking in Black History; in that case, this is a must-read. For me, it was a generalized overview that was not novel nor particularly useful in the ways I had hoped. I appreciated Dr. Moore's biographical sections, which offered the most unique sections of the book, and his prose was clear, blunt, and accessible.
April 19, 2022
I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Moore at the American Historical Conference in 2022. He was a very dynamic and entertaining speaker and it made me want to read his book. The book is based on Dr. Moore's African American and Black history courses that he has taught at the University of Texas at Austin for over two decades. He gives an overview of what he teaches and why he teaches it as well as why it is so important to learn this. His book then sums up what he teaches in his class starting with the African slave trade and ending with the murder of George Floyd. He even goes on to provide many useful resources and an outline of his course. For such a short book there is a lot of detail on the black experience in America and it is obvious that the author has had a long time to think about and teach this topic. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in American/ African American History.
February 16, 2023
This was really good. It’s a straightforward, unblinking introduction to Black/American history, written in a casual, conversational tone. It’s short, but I learned a lot and have plenty more to follow up on. Highly recommended.
September 6, 2023
Read this for my black power history class and learned a lot. Would recommend
March 2, 2025
Hands down would highly recommend. I only wish that it was narrated by the author.
February 1, 2022
Picked this up after hearing an interview with the author who also happens to be a professor at my son’s university. Quick and thought provoking read. I learned a lot of history I was shocked and saddened I had never been exposed to before. I really appreciated the author’s candid approach.
March 14, 2022
This was a great overview of Black history in America from the Black perspective. I appreciated all of Dr. Moore's personal and family anecdotes mixed in with his history lessons.
There were times when I felt like citations or references would be useful to support certain claims, but overall I appreciated the conversational tone of the book.
There were times when I felt like citations or references would be useful to support certain claims, but overall I appreciated the conversational tone of the book.
December 19, 2021
This is an excellent book. It is an easy read that still challenged me and made me think- part memoir, part history, part instruction manual. Dr. Moore weaves together his own experiences with other historical events and explains many elements of Black history in a way that I found compelling.
Definitely recommend!
Definitely recommend!
October 24, 2021
I received this book from the LibraryThing Member Giveaway and this is my honest review.
Wow. What an eye opening book.
There was a lot of things that I knew about, but Dr. Moore gave an even deeper and more insightful look into it that I wasn't aware of. I feel this is something everyone - no matter the color of skin - should read and really take in. Once he gives some stories and more history, he even includes more works for you to read to really open your mind even further. I plan to check every single one of those out. Just a really powerful book that you are grateful to learn from and understand more of. Definitely recommend!
Wow. What an eye opening book.
There was a lot of things that I knew about, but Dr. Moore gave an even deeper and more insightful look into it that I wasn't aware of. I feel this is something everyone - no matter the color of skin - should read and really take in. Once he gives some stories and more history, he even includes more works for you to read to really open your mind even further. I plan to check every single one of those out. Just a really powerful book that you are grateful to learn from and understand more of. Definitely recommend!
October 28, 2021
Must read book! Dr Leonard Moore shares insightful commentary, personal stories, and black history in this book. I learned something new on every page. I wish I had the opportunity to take his class as an undergraduate.
November 21, 2022
The need to write such a book shows the level of ignorance of White Americans about the African-American history and everyday experience. Any educated reader knows about most of the facts that Moore includes in the book and any empathic White person can feel the difficulties provoked by systemic racism in the United States; however, most White Americans seem to be neither educated nor empathic, hence the need for this book. In any case, it makes for an interesting and educating reading.
August 18, 2022
leonard moore’s writing style is incredible and he definitely knows his audience… there was a lot of history in there i didn’t know. he’s got other books i’m going to check out too.
February 24, 2024
This is one of the books I picked up to read for Black History Month, and it was honestly an enjoyable read. Dr. Moore has a way of writing that covers important and hard-hitting topics while making it feel like an open discussion in one of his university lectures and making the information digestible for people who don't have specific personal experiences that would allow them to relate to some of the topics discussed.
I really liked the topics he covered, most notably for me were:
-the theology he describes as 'racial monopoly', which I will use in potential discussions about the foundation of racism within American society when speaking with older members of my family who have more conservative views;
-the dissection of the Civil Rights Movement, and how it was built on the foundation of Black women (if I got to pick a historical figure to have dinner with, it would be Ella Baker. She became an idol for me when reading King: A Life by Jonathon Eig);
-the discussion of how, when people get mad at Black athletes exhibiting forms of protest during sporting events, they only have an issue with politics in sports when it's Black politics (no one questioning how playing the national anthem and flying military jets over sporting events isn't involving politics in sports);
-and how Black politicians are necessary and fundamental to progressing society, specifically reading about Maynard Jackson and the work he did with the Black community in Atlanta and the construction of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, finding and aiding Black entrepreneurs with contracts to secure financial stability for the community moving forward.
Since I have been reading and taking the steps to further educate myself in Black history, this book was a bit too surface-level for me regarding information, as it is intended more for an introductory level step into the genre. Overall, it was a good read and I would recommend it to those who are looking for a way to start learning more about American history and understanding the modern-day sentiments of Black Americans without being overwhelmed with historical facts and information.
I really liked the topics he covered, most notably for me were:
-the theology he describes as 'racial monopoly', which I will use in potential discussions about the foundation of racism within American society when speaking with older members of my family who have more conservative views;
-the dissection of the Civil Rights Movement, and how it was built on the foundation of Black women (if I got to pick a historical figure to have dinner with, it would be Ella Baker. She became an idol for me when reading King: A Life by Jonathon Eig);
-the discussion of how, when people get mad at Black athletes exhibiting forms of protest during sporting events, they only have an issue with politics in sports when it's Black politics (no one questioning how playing the national anthem and flying military jets over sporting events isn't involving politics in sports);
-and how Black politicians are necessary and fundamental to progressing society, specifically reading about Maynard Jackson and the work he did with the Black community in Atlanta and the construction of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, finding and aiding Black entrepreneurs with contracts to secure financial stability for the community moving forward.
Since I have been reading and taking the steps to further educate myself in Black history, this book was a bit too surface-level for me regarding information, as it is intended more for an introductory level step into the genre. Overall, it was a good read and I would recommend it to those who are looking for a way to start learning more about American history and understanding the modern-day sentiments of Black Americans without being overwhelmed with historical facts and information.
Read
February 21, 2024 (3.75 rounded to 4.0).
This book is part memoir, part history and part how to guide. The author is the George Littlefield Professor of American History at the University of Texas and has taught black history in the language of white people but not through the lens reflecting white people’s experience, incorrect information and exposure to misinterpretation. In this short book, Moore lays out the rationale for the need for such a course in black history and how historical events are offshoots of certain tenants of black experience and the experiences stemming from exposure to historical institutions illustrated by writings of both well known and anonymous black people. He also includes information from his teaching experience and his own life history. The book is conversational in tone but well researched and documented. He explores the need for this book and courses on black history today and in the future.
I am very glad that this book was one of my first reads early in February (Black History Month). It set the stage for my further reading in this area. I am also extremely glad to have had this book published during the current political climate. In the following quote, Moore sums up the answer to the most important question posed by the book:
“For a country that has been shaped by race, we do young people a disservice when we allow them to go through their K-12 years without a Black history course because we are afraid to confront the brutal realities of race in America."
I recommend to readers of histories and essays on race, social justice, politics, anti-racism, African American issues and anyone who has ever wondered why it is so important to approach this topic with an open mind and heart.
This book is part memoir, part history and part how to guide. The author is the George Littlefield Professor of American History at the University of Texas and has taught black history in the language of white people but not through the lens reflecting white people’s experience, incorrect information and exposure to misinterpretation. In this short book, Moore lays out the rationale for the need for such a course in black history and how historical events are offshoots of certain tenants of black experience and the experiences stemming from exposure to historical institutions illustrated by writings of both well known and anonymous black people. He also includes information from his teaching experience and his own life history. The book is conversational in tone but well researched and documented. He explores the need for this book and courses on black history today and in the future.
I am very glad that this book was one of my first reads early in February (Black History Month). It set the stage for my further reading in this area. I am also extremely glad to have had this book published during the current political climate. In the following quote, Moore sums up the answer to the most important question posed by the book:
“For a country that has been shaped by race, we do young people a disservice when we allow them to go through their K-12 years without a Black history course because we are afraid to confront the brutal realities of race in America."
I recommend to readers of histories and essays on race, social justice, politics, anti-racism, African American issues and anyone who has ever wondered why it is so important to approach this topic with an open mind and heart.
March 29, 2024
An excellent starting point for anyone who is frankly daunted by the task of learning about an internalizing the sins of our fathers. Often times the book makes sure to remind the reader that they aren't racist for their ignorance, to the point it feels a little bit like handholding, but given his comment that white people are more upset about being called racist than addressing their racism, I understand the need he felt in reinforcing that idea if he wanted white people to really listen.
There were lots of things I already knew when reading, but this book really helped contextualize the gravity of those things, especially parts that were so glazed over in traditional US history classes. I knew that lynching was a thing, but when he asked us to look up the photos of some of the victims, I followed through and was truly shaken at what I saw. I understand why he feels the need to show those photos in his lessons, because the atrocities really get undercut when only explained through whitewashed text.
I enjoyed how several parts of this were historical mixed with his own life events, showing through concrete examples how so much of institutionalized racism permeates everything today. I appreciated as well how it ended on such an active note, giving us ways to actually practice what we've learned in a constructive way. I am excited to look into some of the further reading, and will likely buy this book after I found it in my library.
There were lots of things I already knew when reading, but this book really helped contextualize the gravity of those things, especially parts that were so glazed over in traditional US history classes. I knew that lynching was a thing, but when he asked us to look up the photos of some of the victims, I followed through and was truly shaken at what I saw. I understand why he feels the need to show those photos in his lessons, because the atrocities really get undercut when only explained through whitewashed text.
I enjoyed how several parts of this were historical mixed with his own life events, showing through concrete examples how so much of institutionalized racism permeates everything today. I appreciated as well how it ended on such an active note, giving us ways to actually practice what we've learned in a constructive way. I am excited to look into some of the further reading, and will likely buy this book after I found it in my library.
November 28, 2025
Interesting subject but poorly told, too woke to my taste; all form and very light on substance; for a more thorough treatment of black history and the associated subject of racism be sure to check out these classics: The Half Has Never Been Told: Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism, The Myth of Race: The Troubling Persistence of an Unscientific Idea, the magisterial American Nightmare: The History of Jim Crow and just about all the works of Thomas Sowell.
March 2, 2022
This book made me laugh as much as it made me think, which is usually a good sign. I picked it up after seeing an interview with Dr. Moore with the AHA, and I can only imagine how interesting his classes must be.
The downsides to this book are 1. It’s really short, and 2.) he covered many of these anecdotes in the interview I watched.
The positives vastly outweigh either of these problems. The writing is fun and fluid, he peppers in historical events and circumstances that you’ll want to stop and look up. Finally, the last chapter speaks directly to white liberals who “want to help” , so he totally knows his audience.
If you teach history, or want to have a more well rounded understanding of it, this may be a good first step.
The downsides to this book are 1. It’s really short, and 2.) he covered many of these anecdotes in the interview I watched.
The positives vastly outweigh either of these problems. The writing is fun and fluid, he peppers in historical events and circumstances that you’ll want to stop and look up. Finally, the last chapter speaks directly to white liberals who “want to help” , so he totally knows his audience.
If you teach history, or want to have a more well rounded understanding of it, this may be a good first step.
May 30, 2022
I saw this author speak on a whim, and after I was compelled to buy his book. I'm so glad I did. Now I know my lack of knowledge on parts of US history are on me (Elly will attest to me being a jerk and sleeping through our US History class often), but I really don't think any of my history teachers touched on Reconstruction at all. I didn't learn about it until being married to Mark-- we just went from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. This helped teach me in quick, assessible snippets about the successes during Reconstruction, redlining, the spectacle of lynchings, the Black Power Movement, and the way the past is still affecting us today, while looking at my own biases.
I wish I could take his mans' classes, and I hope I get to see him speak again.
I wish I could take his mans' classes, and I hope I get to see him speak again.
May 6, 2022
A friend recommended this book, and I'm so glad she did. Although I had the great privilege of studying Black history in high school and college, I still learned a lot. If you have been looking for a place to dive into Black history but maybe have been intimidated, this is a great starting point! This book is a fast read written in an easy, conversational tone that hits all the most important topics of Black history and doesn't shy away from controversy or difficult conversations. If you're a more advanced student of Black history, I would still recommend it, as it's full of Moore's personal experiences, which bring home the urgency of teaching and learning Black history.
June 28, 2022
Very grateful for Dr Moore’s work and for this book, particularly the teaching Civil Rights chapter. There’s a lot in here - but I wish he included citations, even if they were end notes rather than in-text. If you’ve been doing your reading, not much in this boom will be new to you. If you haven’t, he lays it out in a great structure that takes you relatively linearly through history. I also appreciate his focus on practical next steps. I do wish there was a little more humility of voice that came through - but I don’t doubt he has sincere respect for everyone whose work he has benefitted from and the people he discusses. Looking forward to tackling the reading list provided at the end!
May 3, 2022
MUST READ. I picked this up to help prepare for a class I'm teaching in the fall. Although there was very little "new" history to me in this book, I think everyone should read it. Dr. Moore is measured and calm, but presents a great deal of American history in a conversational and accessible style that clearly and concisely portrays the experience of African-Americans and the generational trauma that has been inflicted both societally and politically. Highly recommend for anyone concerned with the current state of race relations in America today -- and that should be everyone.
June 11, 2023
Please read this book fellow White people. It is a great starting point in a quest for knowledge in this area of American History that we were deliberately not taught, AND still aren't taught. Offered here is a solid history lesson in abbreviated yet detailed form. It's a great jumping off point. It ends with suggestions for what to do and Dr. Moore's syllabus for his History of the Black Experience college course. Then, keep reading, I recommend 1619 and Forget the Alamo for starters. If you have the stamina to dig very deep, read The Wretched of the Earth.
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July 28, 2025This book is hard to describe because it is part memoir and part lesson in African-American history. I read it because, as a US history teacher, I wanted to see his perspective. He has been teaching at research universities (LSU and Texas) for decades, so he has both expertise and experience. His perspective was very interesting and I will try to incorporate some of his stories into my own class, but it didn't offer a lot of specifics on pedagogy. It was definitely a useful read, but not quite as impactful as I had hoped.
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