Tiffany Jewell

Jewell's clear, firm tone in this primer is a necessary antidote to the dominant culture. There are exercises to better understand identity, race, ethnicity, and privilege, using the analogy of a "box," with dominant culture (white, male, cis, hetero, Christian, upper-middle class) inside the box. There is a concise, instructive amount of history (not comprehensive, but it's an excellent starting point), and actions to take against racism (disrupt, interrupt, calling in/out, allyship). show more Throughout, she refers to BIPoC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) as "folx of the global majority," which is a neat reframing from "minority" (which they're not).

Back matter includes notes on the text, glossary, selected bibliography (fiction and nonfiction).

See also: Dr. Deborah L. Plummer (https://jenny-arch.com/2019/05/20/mla-2019-the-greatest-job-on-earth/)

Quotes

Someone described racism to me as the smog we breathe. It is all around us; racism is everywhere. Our lives are polluted with racism as it harms us all. (30)

[Jewell's definition] Racism is personal prejudice AND the systemic misuse and abuse of power by institutions. (30)

Together, people and institutions [government, media and entertainment, business, housing, banks, criminal justice system, education, health care] create a solid structure of racism through policies, rules, and opportunities that give more resources to one group than another. (39)

Less than 20% of teachers in the United States' public schools are Folx of the Global Majority, while over 50% of their student population are. (41)

Remember: institutions rely on people to maintain or change racism. (42)

[Activity: contents of anti-racist toolbox] (97)

[Example of calling out a teacher who says "I don't see color. Race isn't really an issue in my classroom." --> "That's not okay. It's important to see and acknowledge and understand that your students are different...by [not seeing their skin color, you are denying them]...You are trying to make them the same, and fit into the imaginary box [of the dominant culture]. Your classroom only teaches the dominant culture of white supremacy."] (101)

Being racist against white people is not a thing. Remember, racism is personal prejudice AND the systemic misuse and abuse of power by institutions....REVERSE RACISM IS NOT REAL. (102)

"In our society, it's not enough to be nonracist, we must be anti-racist." -Angela Davis (102)

The world is used to hearing the voices and stories of white people. Change the narrative. (129)

Being an ally is lifelong work....It's something you are working toward for a more just society. (129)

Your privilege is something you don't often think about. It's often invisible to you until you take a moment to gain some insight and awareness into your whole self. (135) show less

"A guidebook for taking action against racism.

The clear title and bold, colorful illustrations will immediately draw attention to this book, designed to guide each reader on a personal journey to work to dismantle racism. In the author’s note, Jewell begins with explanations about word choice, including the use of the terms “folx,” because it is gender neutral, and “global majority,” noting that marginalized communities of color are actually the majority in the world. She also show more chooses to capitalize Black, Brown, and Indigenous as a way of centering these communities’ voices; "white" is not capitalized. Organized in four sections—identity, history, taking action, and working in solidarity—each chapter builds on the lessons of the previous section. Underlined words are defined in the glossary, but Jewell unpacks concepts around race in an accessible way, bringing attention to common misunderstandings. Activities are included at the end of each chapter; they are effective, prompting both self-reflection and action steps from readers. The activities are designed to not be written inside the actual book; instead Jewell invites readers to find a special notebook and favorite pen and use that throughout. Combining the disruption of common fallacies, spotlights on change makers, the author’s personal reflections, and a call to action, this powerful book has something for all young people no matter what stage they are at in terms of awareness or activism.

Essential. (author’s note, further reading, glossary, select bibliography) (Nonfiction. 10-18)" A Kirkus Starred review, www.kirkusreviews.com show less

Tiffany Jewell pulls no punches in confronting racism. She tells it like it is. Her book is meant to help others do the same. She states clearly the realities of racism and provides suggested anti-racist actions anyone can take. The book is colorfully illustrated throughout by Aurélia Durand. The target audience is BIPoC youth. However, adults can also benefit from reading the book. Though it may be a difficult read for whites, they, too, would do well to be confronted by Jewell’s words. show more We whites need to be made uncomfortable with the ways we knowingly and unknowingly promote racism. show less

Who are you?
What is your identity?
What is racism?
How do you choose your own path?
How do you stand in solidarity?
How can you hold yourself accountable?

Learn about identities, true histories, and anti-racism work in 20 carefully laid out chapters. Written by anti-bias, anti-racist, educator and activist, Tiffany Jewell, and illustrated by French illustrator Aurélia Durand in kaleidoscopic vibrancy.

This book is written for the young person who doesn't know how to speak up to the racist adults show more in their life. For the 14 year old who sees injustice at school and isn't able to understand the role racism plays in separating them from their friends. For the kid who spends years trying to fit into the dominant culture and loses themselves for a little while. It's for all of the Black and Brown children who have been harmed (physically and emotionally) because no one stood up for them or they couldn't stand up for themselves; because the colour of their skin, the texture of their hair, their names made white folx feel scared and threatened.

It is written so children and young adults will feel empowered to stand up to the adults who continue to close doors in their faces. This book will give them the language and ability to understand racism and a drive to undo it. In short, it is for everyone. show less