Bet on Black: The Good News about Being Black in America Today

by Eboni K. Williams

Essence Magazine 2023 Must Read

Bet on Black is a call to action for Black people all over the world to adopt a fresh, highly informed mindset that will change their lives. Blackness is a rich, expansive place that centers resilience, excellence, beauty, panache, and brilliance. But these notions of Blackness have long been distorted by American racism, where for generations Black folks have been expected to live a subordinate, second-class existence in the country they call home. Williams delves into some of the cornerstones of leading a first-class Black life, In this book, journalist and attorney Eboni K. Williams delves into some of the cornerstones of leading a first-class Black life, ranging from understanding one’s history to investing in the sometimes challenging processes of success. She does this all while sharing intimate details of her own story. Bet on Black will reawaken your own self-worth and understanding of the value of celebrating Blackness—whether yours or others’. Williams boldly proclaims that Blackness is the single most misunderstood construct in America. Bet on Black invites you to join her on the quest to show the world what Blackness really is.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Self Help, African American, Biography Memoir, Audiobook

256 pages, Hardcover

Published January 31, 2023

Reviews

[Tiffany Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

5th book read this year - I’ve never watched RHONY so I had no idea of the backstory of the author that wrote this book. I was intrigued through by the title. There were parts of this book that I’ve heard before by either family members or other members of the Black community, yet it never gets old to hear about what we deserve and our rightful place in history.

“We do ourselves a disservice and dishonor process when questioning our right to inhabit professional spaces, when feeling like we should be grateful to be allowed access to these spaces.”

Bet on Black is a reminder that we belong.

Bet on Black is a reminder that none of us should dim our light to make others feel safe.

Bet on Black is a love letter that reminds US that WE are beautiful, Black, and qualified!

[Qua'Tesha Ratliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bet on Black is the reminder that we are black and qualified for any and all spaces. It’s a reminder that we can be bold and black. Being black is the greatest gift!

[Wendelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful creed, a confident testament, a call to joy, from a brilliant media spokesperson who is exuberant, exultant, and iridescent with pride derived from tapping in to the deep, rich well of Black culture, history, and excellence. In this book, she shares her life mission to foreground the Black experience, to mobilize and advocate for Black people's centering in spaces and for resources that aren't normally reserved for them, and to reverse the codes, constructs and paradigms that exclude or subordinate Black people's experiences and advancement.

[Glenda Nelms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bet on Black is a powerfully inspired book that put Blackness at the forefront. The title of the book caught my attention.

[Amy Walton · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first started reading this book, I thought, "This is going to be a five-star book."

As one who has stood by what I feel is the truth--that Black people have long been suppressed and treated unfairly--I was drawn to this book at the library. I'd no idea who the author was because I watch little TV and have never watched "The Real Housewives of New York City." Turns out she's a brilliant attorney who's now in media, and I like how this readable book's chapters are titled with legal terms.

I started out being able to relate a little, even though I am a white woman. Like me, the author grew up in NC in humble housing and attended UNC. I enjoyed reading about her mother's push for her to have the best education. Her mom was a force, and I became a fan reading this book.

However, at some point, the author's attitude seems to turn a bit militant. I understand that she sees herself as a spokesperson for all things Black, but she comes across as thinking ALL white people have some vendetta or prejudice agains Blacks. WRONG!

The F bombs she drops are not needed for effectiveness, given her "Rise up and stand up for your rights" attitude.

When I finally finished this book, my thought was, "Well, I just finished reading someone's public rant or therapy session."

I'm certain there are many better books that speak to the Black experience and reality!

[LaShanda Chamberlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book caught my attention & peaked my interest. That interest led me to request an advance copy from Netgalley. Admittedly, I had heard of Eboni Williams in passing but I really didn't know a lot about her. Where do I begin with this review? I read this book in just almost one setting. As a Black Woman in America, I can relate to almost every element of content here. In the past, I have not been so comfortable owning my blackness in certain spaces for fear of how others would react. I am now owning this space & I don't dim my unapologetically blackness anymore. This book gave me even more confidence in owning my place in these spaces. Because of reading this book, I'm also a new listened of Williams' podcast Holding Court. Williams' tagline from her RHONY days "I've had to work twice as hard for half as much, but now I'm coming for everything" is my new motto!!! We coming!!!!

Thanks, Netgalley, the publisher & Eboni Williams for this advance copy.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Bet on Black, Eboni K. Williams writes that her purpose is to unite the Black community so that we can "collectively refuse" to internalize anti-Blackness in whatever form it takes. Eboni K. Williams is an African-American lawyer and television host. I've always admired how she has used her influence to disrupt harmful narratives and she does the same in this exciting upcoming book release. Williams wants us to reimagine and reframe our possibilities as a people by reauthorizing a truer and more empowering narrative about who we have always been and who we are within the context of American culture and history. She references influential figures in Black history and within the present times and uses the truth of our history to remind us of our greatest strengths and gifts.

Among many of my favorite one liners is this one: "I'm the complete and total shit because the blood of Harriet Tubman runs through veins." I immediately wrote it down to reference for myself on days when I need a powerful affirmation and reminder of who our ancestors are. As Black people, we have always been taught how to navigate white spaces and how to code switch and move through life with a double consciousness but at what cost - for many of us the cost has been mental, emotional, psychological and has taken a deep toll. Williams reminds us that it takes five positive comments to cancel or outweigh a negative one. It will take work to undue the harm of internalized racism and racial trauma. The starting point of the healing journey is to acknowledge our own history reflective of the grit, excellence and individuality of the Black experience.

In Bet on Black, Williams also shares why she chose to leave her career as an attorney, the challenges of her experience as a broadcaster and journalist in the world of media, and her overall experiences as a Black woman in this country who strategically navigates the duality of the Mammy and Jezebel narrative everyday. She also shares poignant financial insights and advice for those who want to make smart money moves and puts all of her analysis within cultural context. Bet on Black is a love letter to Black Americans and a mirror reflecting back to us the beauty of who we are reminding us that we are more than enough and have always been.

"Just love being Black. Don't be bamboozled or hoodwinked into minimizing your Blackness in hopes that it'll get you anywhere in this nation, because I assure you, it will not."

Thank you to the author and publisher for the e-arc copy!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I've had to work twice as hard for half of as much, but now I'm coming for everything" is a mood! This declaration coming from lawyer, author, TV analyst and RHONY member Eboni K. Williams. In Bet on Black she unapologetically shares the facts of history and relates them to being black in America today.

Any time a Black woman starts quoting James Baldwin, Marcus Garvey, Malcom X and Denzel Washington know that she means business and did not come to play. To many the topics touched on are not revolutionary but for those outside of the Black Experience they will be enlightening. For me this served as a much needed reminder of what I needed to do to ensure that my culture lives on, my excellence is realized and my blackness is enough.

B.o.b. focused on the mind, the spirit and the wallet! You could see the passion build the more chapters you read. My good sis has done the research and is actively doing the work. Please read Bet On Black and support!

[Keeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never heard of Eboni before this book. I picked it up based on the title because I've been on a bit of a "Blackness in the US" reading spree. Eboni's book gives a good overview of Black history and the barriers Black women face while focusing on strengths of the Black experience and tips for achieving personal and professional success in the present.

As a lifelong reader, I related to Eboni's story of having to go above and beyond regular school curriculum to educate herself and learn about Black leaders like Malcolm X and Marcus Garvey. The stories she shared about triumphing when no one believed in her were inspiring and her advice is clear and relatable.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy.

[readingonarainyday · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️

Before reading this book, my first introduction to Eboni K. Williams was through the Real Housewives of New York. The show did not do her justice. Williams has such a diverse background - lawyer, journalist, reality show star, podcaster, etc. This book is described as Williams inviting us to join her on the quest to show the world what Blackness really is. The author also relates this back to her own life and we get to see what has influenced her decisions overtime. With such a unique resume, it was insightful to see why she chose certain paths in her life. There’s also a lot of history interspersed within the book that was valuable for me to learn.

Thank you NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review!

[Stanjay Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I became acquainted with Eboni when she made her debut on the Real Housewives of New York. I loved her transparency in this book regarding her career and upbringing. I felt overwhelmingly proud to be black reading this book and hearing her perspectives about the intersectionality of race, politics, education, media, and social justice. She referred to some incredible books I mentally added to my reading list.

[Black Girl Tired Energy Book reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a love letter of sorts to black people in American as much as it's a time to wake up and live in your truth instead of shielding your true self to appease society. The more you read the more you'll see that it's not a fuss at you or make you feel bad about not realizing that we sometimes placate to the colonization and treatment around us type book. It's a so you can see that we are so use to hiding our black identity because others are uncomfortable that we are oblivious sometimes to know it's wrong. The book takes you Through Blackness as it is frown upon by others, but also why you should love it even through the pain, heartache, and suffering. I love the way the author invites us to take up space where they say we can't and do it with your Blackness that is regal and strong. The play by play of the black experience while at the same time giving an instructional blueprint on starting the path of loving your Blackness. This also is a divorce letter to colonization and a love letter to the Blackness within self. My favorite chapters were counsel and process...especially counsel " As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another proverbs 27:17" this reminds me of the movement in which black women on social media apps have decided to come together to build and support each into success. This book is so good from the quotes to the references of black leaders. Outstanding read!

[Brittney Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

A DEFINITE MUST READ! I have never underlined a book so much in my life and reading this has made me feel good about myself; even a little more courageous in my career.
Eboni definitely puts blackness on a pedestal and talks about the trials she has been through because she wants everyone to know she's blacker than black lol.
I liked that she addressed colorism and how it has benefitted her (because a lot of people don't like to speak of colorism in society but it's definitely there) and becoming the first black housewife (in NY). I liked that she didn't let critics call her a diversity hire, but switched it to a diversity higher. I like that term because most of the time black people (really black women in particular) are typically overqualified and underpaid for the positions they are in. This resonated with me and has given me the courage to ask for a salary increase.
I definitely recommend that you pick up this book and READ IT!

[Tait · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I want Eboni K. Williams to forgive me for judging a book by its cover. Literally and figuratively. I counted her out. I didn’t think she understood the culture, or had anything valuable to say. I only knew her from her short stint with Fox News, and I did not care to watch Real Housewives of New York so I didn’t have much to judge her on besides her appearance on Fox.

But when I say this book is amazing, I mean that! Eboni K. Williams gets it! She is truly a brilliant mind, gifted speaker, and phenomenal example of what hard work can do! I was totally inspired by this book and feel extraordinarily blessed to have read it. I feel closer to my culture and oddly enough, close to Eboni.

Yo, I rocks with her from here on out!

[Tiana’s Lit Talk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley and @legacylitbooks for access to an advance reader copy (eARC) of Bet on Black. I was not at all familiar with the author prior to hearing conversation through Black Bookstagram community on this highly anticipated read.

This book is a manifest to Black people in America encouraging expansion and growth within all who read. It’s a love story of sorts to the lived Black American experience, the brilliance and resilience within it. It is an excellent read to move into Black History Month with. Highly recommended.

[Cecile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although her voice, unfortunately too crass to represent elegant Blackness, her message is for a younger set than I fit in, I appreciate her attempts to empower Black folk to remember their own power and greatness in spite of whiteness-addicted messages and behaviors.

I would have given her five stars if she had put in a chapter on the critical pro-Black behavior of voting locally, statewide, and nationally. Let’s face it, repugnicans as a group are immoral, inhuman and greedy. They could easily lose most elections by the small margins that persistent Black voters could provide.

She missed the opportunity to lay this out in ways that young people could grasp. Perverted leaders create perverted policy. Perverted policies hurt people of color. They need to vote these people out no matter how “political” they feel as individuals.

[Evan Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eboni filled my bookshelf and soul with the elegance of blackness. Pick this book up if you’re seeking wholeness, inspiration, authenticity, and a good word from your auntie. Better yet, enjoy the audiobook that Eboni reads herself. I did both.

After enjoying this book, I classify Eboni Williams to the liking of James Baldwin. She spreads truth and love in her words. Bet On Black left me on a high after its completion. This book redefined black resilience, starting at the microscopic level (self) and ending with us as a people. Reading this book was an uplifting catharsis.

I’ll undoubtedly reread this throughout my life, during my doctorate journey, and will gift this to mentees and any knowledge seeker I know.

[meejieweegie · Rating 3 out of 5]

listen, i LOVED eboni on rhony and the way that she ran LAPS around the rest of the cast but this book was just kind of meh to me. it feels like she never locked in on an intended audience so it can come off unfocused at times - parts of it are written directly to black americans about a shared experience, and parts of it feel written directly for ramona singer as eboni explains what colorism is. on the whole, its pretty girlboss-y (derogatory) and dare i say that at times her code-switching felt disingenuous...

that said it is by FAR the smartest book written by a housewife (but also the bar is in hell, so.......)

5/10

(i also personally dont buy into the idea of working for conservative outlets as a 'disrupter'... like lol u can just own that a check is a check)

[Joseph Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Semi-biographical stories about being a female African American woman in the media landscape of America. It's a little funny that she starts with a more moderate toned voice, and then slowly switches to the activist voice, something that was quite evident when I was done with the first CD and it restarted to her moderate voice, quite a tonal shift!

I'm not a fan of RHONY or familiar with any of the author's work. However, even as a non-African American minority, I could relate to many of her struggles about choosing between an ideal 'citizen' with lesser rights and demands, versus one with equal full rights in both expression and demand. I wouldn't say I agree with every viewpoint expressed, reflecting our different circumstances.

Was worth the read to hear her experiences.

[Dj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bet on Black is an encouraging text with the awesome voice of the author reminding readers of the excellence that is inherently Black America. Eboni K. Williams tells an easy to digest perspective of one’s start not determining one’s future. This read is for anyone struggling with notions of “am I good enough?” The way she advises readers to take a breath, “divorce yourself from an arbitrary standard of Black woman binary…where you choose either Mamie or Jezebel” is an empowering way of contemporary thinking. I appreciate her advice on how to combat being a diversity hire. Constantly she reminds readers that you are over qualified most of the time you are suffering imposter syndrome.

[Livey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not watched RHONY in many years but I have no doubt she had those women reeling with her intelligence, education, successful career and strong confident attitude and it doesn’t hurt she is beautiful. I have seen her on FOX and was surprised that she wasn’t hired to be the token black but rather for her legal and social graces. I like the way she thinks and looks on being black in a society that has not been able to get past racism, classism and deciding on what is acceptable behavior by a professional who doesn’t care what your opinion of her. She is strategic and I immensely liked this book.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eboni’s entrance onto RHONY definitely broke the mold, literally resulting in the show being cancel and rebooted with a new diverse cast better reflecting the city the show is set within. Something tells me Eboni knew this was a taken down from within. It was not always easy watching the dynamic, but sitting with the uncomfortably I found Eboni deeply interesting. I picked up this book to learn more about her views on the black experience. It’s a little more memoir than I expected but I enjoyed it. She touches on a wide breath of experiences. I found the concept of losing your personal choice for the advancement of your community both sad and inspiring.

[Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Auntie Eboni indeed held court with this book. Unfortunately, with the state of the country and the world, the court is not adjourned.

Black Pride has been denied, now is the time to walk in stride, restore the lost strength, and reunite at all costs. Together standing to rebuild our race, at a swift and diligent pace. Yes, Black pride can be regained. We all must learn to accept a change from deep within it all begins.

[Erica Almond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book and content. I only took issue with the overuse of curse words and aggressive speech because that's not Eboni's nature, and it feels like she has begun to overdo it in order to legitimize her blackness. Common problem light zones women have. But the book is defined as thought-provoking and a must read once you get past that part.

[LeeTravelGoddess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me SO HAPPY and want to truly continue being great!

Thank you EKW, I love a diverse circle of women that get along just cause they actually like each other and want to see one another thrive!! 💚🌻💚🌻💚🌻

[The Resistance Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book needs to be in schools! Williams intellectually explains her journey and what Blackness is to her! Eboni explains why we should be happy to be Black as well as explaining how the White America has made us inferior to make us weak while white people succeed with no intellect in the positions they possess! Literally we as Black people need to be unapologetic about our culture!

[Suheily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was introduced to Eboni on RONY but grew to appreciate her listening to her podcast. I am officially a fan after this book. I think it’s a good book for young adults thinking about how to navigate the world.

[Donna DiPietro · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Life in America

I learned a lot from the book because many people have been dehumanized. It happens in white families too. The book helped me to believe in myself as a white person who tried and lost in her family. Thank you Eboni. This has been my life.

[Martina · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Gawd!! Never have I said, “mm hmm” and “GIRL!” so many times in agreement while reading. I admit I didn’t know who Soror Eboni was before reading this book, but I was curious about “the good news about being Black in America”. She got me all the way together and I know now. Great read!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

BET ON BLACK is part memoir, part self-help, and part essay that offers a refreshing take on being black in America today.

Williams breaks down the typical tropes of Black women on screens as a caretaker (Mammy) or a seductress (Jezebel). She calls out the harmful and limiting stereotypes in the everyday lives of Black women. It's inspiring to read about her personal journey and how Williams overcame these stereotypes while working in the entertainment industry, including Fox News and The Real Housewives of New York.

I also greatly appreciated how Williams outlines steps to center on Black history and excellence in a fun & approachable way, especially for those with children. While BET ON BLACK focuses on Black Americans, her suggestions of starting with a topic you're interested in and finding contributors of color often forgotten in history can be applied to other minorities to celebrate their uniqueness, heritage, and identity.

Williams also suggests we assemble our personal boards—people who can see things through our lens but can offer honest advice with their experience—and lean on them for important life decisions.

Finally, I appreciate how Williams delves into Blackness and patriotism and challenges the notion that Black Americans can't be both proud of their heritage and love their country. Her concept of redefining what it means to be proud of America while keeping the momentum to fight for justice is fascinating and thought-provoking.

BET ON BLACK is a celebration of Black America. It's easy to read, casual in tone, and packed with practical advice and inspiration.

Thank you Hachette Book Group for the gifted copy.