Antiracist: How to Start the Conversation about Race and Take Action

by Kondwani Fidel, Devin Allen (Foreword)

What would happen if people started moving beyond the conversation and took action to combat racism?
 
We are in an era where many Americans express the sentiment, “I thought we were past that,” when a public demonstration of racism comes across their radar. Long before violence committed by police was routinely displayed on jumbotrons publicizing viral executions, the Black community has continually tasted the blood from having police boots in their mouths, ribs, and necks. The widespread circulation of racial injustices is the barefaced truth hunting us down, forcing us to confront the harsh reality—we haven’t made nearly as much racial progress as we thought.
 
The How to Start the Conversation about Race and Take Action will compel readers to focus on the degree in which they have previously, or are currently, contributing to the racial inequalities in this country (knowingly or unknowingly), and ways they can become stronger in their activism. 
 
The Antiracist  is an explosive indictment on injustice, highlighted by Kondwani Fidel, a rising young literary talent, who offers a glimpse into not only the survival required of one born in a city like Baltimore, but how we can move forward to tackle violent murders, police brutality, and poverty.
 
Throughout it all, he pursued his Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing & Publishing Arts from the University of Baltimore, while being deeply immersed in his community—helping combat racism in schools by getting students to understand the importance of literacy and critical thinking. With his gift for storytelling, he measures the pulse of injustice, which is the heartbeat of this country.
 

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Justice, Politics, History, Audiobook, Race

192 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2022

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful indictment of racism and plea for justice and equity.

Fidel describes how racism operates in this country through the lens of his experience growing up in Baltimore. He expresses rage, heartbreak, determination and more about the multiple tragedies caused by racism, the early deaths from despair and lack of access to a decent quality of life, from violence and murder--including those committed by the police. His voice is passionate, breaking into poetry at times.

How could anyone read this and not feel compelled to take action? To end this on-going horror and make our country the good and beautiful one we want it to be?

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important book to read it doesn't matter how many books like this you read, there is always something new to learn and things to read about again. It was very readable and informative in an easy understandable way

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although The Antiracist may be an excellent choice for some audiences, How to be an Antiracist and Caste were better choices for me.

[Carol Tilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone working with young people.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a similar vein to the writing of his friend D Watkins, Fidel gives you a series of painful and striking looks into his world. I think the title is slightly misleading, but set that aside and just go where he takes you. If you want to be antiracist, he seems to be saying, you need to know about all this up front. His brief profiles of the founders of the Baltimore Ceasefire and the Cool Tuesdays workout club were inspiring, and the last few essays seemed to become more urgent and emotional to close the book with power. The essay about the effect on black people of the constant viral videos of black people being murdered was thought provoking - can't we get the motivation to do better without turning social media into a daily lynching? I would love to see a collaboration between Fidel, Watkins, and photographer Devin Allen about Baltimore - I don't even care what the focus is, I would just love to see all their talents at work together.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super grateful to have read Fidel's memoir and perspective- I am sure it was difficult to re-live many of these memories for the reader's benefit. As a white person, Fidel's account was very valuable and appreciated. I would have liked to see additional calls to action, although I agree that knowledge and respect are the first steps in societal change. I want to see more of his poetry! Unfortunately, the book was not very well edited, which hindered Fidel's message a bit. Recommended if you enjoy Ibram X. Kendi's work.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book wasn’t what I expected from the title. I was expecting a dry dissertation on race that ended in a call to action, but instead this book is a powerful collection of personal stories that relate to larger concepts of education, poverty, police violence, etc. that are central to conversations of systemic racism in America and Baltimore specifically. Now, I’m a white transplant to the city, who’s lived in Baltimore for about eight years, and the concept of the two Baltimores is overwhelmingly true. This really is a mostly segregated city, and every white person who claims to love this city should read this book ASAP. Besides being a beautiful collection of writing and some truly incredible descriptions of rowhome life, this book shows personal realities, which help to ground some abstract concepts into moments and interactions that instill empathy without feeling like a lecture (this isn’t to say some white folks wouldn’t be better off with a good lecturing though). There’s a lot of sadness in this book, but there’s also a fierce sense of beauty and strength and power, and I won’t forget this book for a long, long time.

[Lisa Jiardini · Rating 3 out of 5]

The storytelling narrative is heart-wrenching and the wording sublime in this account of the author's life growing up in Baltimore. He details the violence and poverty of his Black neighborhood, overly watched by the police and underfunded by the city and state. He compares this to White areas in the city, which are well protected and well funded. He challenges the reader to rethink "good" and "bad" or "dangerous" neighborhoods as being a racist idea. There are not an overwhelming amount of bad people in "poor" neighborhoods, nor overwhelmingly good in "rich" neighborhoods. Altogether, it was heartbreaking to realize the level of stress and poverty of living in such an environment as he and many Blacks do. And though I have a vague idea that change is better than apology, I'm still left wondering, what I, as a White woman can do to change the situation. What would I know about it and why would anyone trust me to be able to help? I will keep searching for the answer or hope for an epiphany.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title of this book is rather misleading. There was almost nothing in it about how, where, or when to start or conduct conversations about race. And aside from the example of the author's own forays into racial activism, including what he know deems to be a false start in performing spoken word poetry advocating revenge, nothing about how to take action against racism

The book was primarily the life story of it's author, with all the traumas and difficulties one might expect had happened to a young Black man raised by his grandmother because his parents were both in and out of prison. Kondwani Fidel may rightfully consider himself an anti-racist, but the book didn't offer much guidance for those of us who didn't grow up in majority-Black inner cities could support his efforts or initiate anti-racist efforts of our own.

[Cija Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kondwani Fidel’s The Antiracist is “a guide to starting a conversation about race & taking action.” What makes this book unique is the fact that the author is speaking for himself layering in the experiences he’s had growing up in Baltimore. This book resonated for me because Fidel anchored the book w/ personal stories laced w/ historical references. This is a timely resource made for discussion so pick up a copy or several. It would be a perfect pick for a school, work, or book club. There’s even a handy notes section in the back so you can write down what resonates for you.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

An important read for every American, especially white Americans living in or near Baltimore City. This book highlights the reality and struggles that Black people suffer on a daily basis and the systemic injustices that remain in place that inhibit real change.

[melhara · Rating 2 out of 5]

First of all, I felt like the audiobook was poorly narrated - the narrator had a dull, monotonous and boring reading voice which took away from the serious and emotional content. The narrator also read the poetry in the most dispassionate tone.

Secondly, I think the title of this book was quite misleading and may have been mistitled. This book was primarily a memoir about the racial injustice in Baltimore and was not a book about "how to start the conversation about race and take action." For books about starting the conversation and taking actions, I would recommend Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man and Me and White Supremacy.

Finally, the contents of this book were also highly repetitive and rather unorganized.

The only parts of the book I found interesting was learning about racism in the context of Baltimore (the Black community in Baltimore, the author's experience growing up in Baltimore, and the misuse of power by the Baltimore Police Department).

Overall, I was disappointed with this audiobook book because it was not what I was expecting, nor did I feel like the target audience. I think this book may be intended for Black readers and is more of a call-to-action for other Black people and residents of Baltimore.

I would recommend checking out the physical or ebook version of this book (not the audiobook!) if you want to learn about racism in Baltimore.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kondwani Fidel uses examples from his life and the research he's done to connect all the ways that institutional racism harms Black communities. From the school system to policing to food deserts to trauma, he makes it clear that "boot-strapping" isn't an option. Supporting distribution of resources and organizations doing work in the community (like B-360 and Baltimore Ceasefire 365) are steps in an anti-racist direction. Fidel also makes the painful connection of systemic racism to suicide and drug abuse.

Fidel is also such a poetic writer--you'll be turning what he writes in your head for hours. I missed the special order of My Home is Is a Noiseless Gun, and though I don't know if it's the same as the May 2020 release, it is a chapter.

A thing I remind myself constantly: anti-racism is not self improvement. It's about seeing, never unseeing, then finding ways to concretely make change in small interactions to policy change.

[Rachel Faye · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Read in a social justice book club.] What I took from this book, on my antiracist journey as a white woman in the US, is empathy via antidote. I would not necessarily consider it a how-to guide of "taking action," but its value is significant nonetheless. Hearing Kondwani's stories told with such matter-of-factness, kindness, and strength helped me to understand a bit more what life is like for a black person, a black man, a black child, that grew up in an underfunded, under-cared-for, overpoliced neighborhood. It's not like a literary miracle by any means, but its true power comes through the author's storytelling and giving the readers an insight into a life that may or may not look anything like his, in order to generate significant empathy.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, but it definitely felt more like a mix of personal experiences, poetry/ art, and quotes from other BLM books that I have already read than a "how to start the conversation" type of book. Without that misleading title this would probably have been 5 stars for me. I loved learning about the projects in the book, and there are stories that will break your heart. People should read this if only to realize how our government will spend billions at the drop of a hat on prisons yet it will take at least 5 years to find funds to get air conditioning and heat in elementary schools. It makes me fume.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book mornings before school to put myself in an aware, problem solving mindset. Fidel's book was a good reminder of the racism perpetuated every day. I didn't see practical ways to start conversations, but i did see how this accessible story is a helpful narrative for millenials and Gen Z to understand Black perspectives. I was surprised at Fidel's age because his story sounded like stories of those in past generations, except for the technology.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in doing their part to fight racism and those interested in spoken word poetry because Fidel peppers his story with compelling poems.

[Donna Bijas · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Racist ideas undermine and devalue our shared humanity, whereas Antiracist ideas, perspectives, and resulting actions value and respect cultural and physical differences among and within all racial groups. These differences should not threaten anyone’s freedoms in this country or anywhere.” So says Mr. Fidel in this outstanding book which , while very personal, expands upon the other Antiracist books out now, particularly Dr. Kendi. This was sad and heartbreaking for me, to see how little Black Lives Matter in the poorer section of Baltimore, where Mr. Fidel lives.

[Phebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this author did a great job of outlining his experiences living in Baltimore and how many hardships he had, I found the title misleading. The scenes from his childhood he described were horrible to read, and should make any person upset, and motivated to help make changes in our world. However, I feel that the title made me think it would give tips on how to start conversations with people who made racist statements or comments, and how to counter what they have to say. But in reality it was mainly the author reflecting on his past and giving statistics of the realities blacks face.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was difficult to finish, despite the length, but well worth it.

It isn't easy to find many books with actual contemporary, relevant examples of the work that people do in areas that are marginalized and underfunded. A very concise, interesting and personal perspective on race in the USA.

The writing is phenomenal.

The thing is, like with most works of the genre, the kind of people who need to read this probably won't. I'm so glad it exists. But rly, it is such a disservice that this kind of book is not curriculum. Maybe it is, idk, I hope it is somewhere.

[natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baltimore is blessed to claim Kondwani Fidel. Don’t let the title confuse you, this is a love letter to the City told through personal essays. It’s exquisite, and tremendously painful, and funny, and relentless. I haven’t read a book with such a unique and powerful voice in ages. Whether I’m driving down Monument or Charles, I’m not about to forget these stories any time soon. Fidel’s a poet and I can’t wait to watch the kids he writes about rock Baltimore with their fury and optimism.

[Gillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice understanding of a localized perspective on racism written by a black man from Baltimore. Would say the title is somewhat misleading. I learned more and could add some of these tidbits to conversations, but the only action I could identify was support community base organizations over the police. Was hoping for a bit more here in action.

[Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book

This is a book that everyone should read. I've lived near Baltimore for years, but this book and a few others have opened my eyes to the racism in the system and what to do about it.

[Micah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Definitely mis-titled, but a solid memoir covering a wide-range of topics, any one of which can be a starting point for many different conversations about race and anti-blackness. I could definitely see excerpting this for use with our older students.

[Larry M Bergelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. I haven't read for a while and was trying to get back to it. I chose this book out of the blue and it grabbed my attention and kept it. I did not let a day go by that I did not read from it. It is well written and inciteful.

[Darlene Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book on audible. I found the author to be insightful and candid . He provided examples of ways to start to have difficult conversations about race starting with looking at ourselves and our beliefs. Very powerful!

[Mary Merlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm honestly still digesting everything in this book, and I am very appreciative of the author's willingness to share his experience with us. He is so open and honest in his storytelling, and I felt his writing was very visual. This is a really important book.

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book!

Great ideas put into words. A bit of repetition in some aspects but turns out to be worth the read.
Look forward to another book in the future.

[John Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 3-1/2 ⭐️ book! Startling book about the racism and white supremacy in Baltimore! Brutal and violent stories of Kondwani Fidel growing up on the streets of Baltimore!

[Brantz Woolsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. My friend Tristen recommended it to me. We have lots of work to do and everyone needs to work to more actively antiracist.

[Lyf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! Heartbreaking! Eye opening! Kendwani Fidel has crafted an easy-to-consume, yet difficult to read book. Fidel’s storytelling and prose are exceptional. A very important book for our time!