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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation summary
Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor
The fight against racism in modern America
18 mins
Brief summary
From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor is a comprehensive analysis of the structural racism in US society and political system and the social movement for Black liberation. It offers an insightful critique of the mainstream political approach to addressing racism.
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From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation
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Problems in Black communities are often misidentified as a cultural issue rather than a systemic one.
You’re probably aware that slavery was abolished in the southern United States during the Civil War. Despite this landmark event, President Lyndon B. Johnson, speaking nearly one hundred years later, made it clear that “freedom is not enough” and that we still need “equality as a result.”
Under Johnson, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed, and it outlawed any discrimination based on race or color. Yet it did little to alleviate the problems, such as crime and poverty, that remained pervasive throughout African-American communities.
One of the reasons these problems continue to persist is because they’re blamed on cultural weaknesses.
When Republican representative Paul Ryan speaks about high unemployment rates in impoverished Black communities, he calls it a “culture problem.” Ryan suggests that people in these communities are unfamiliar with the value of work.
When President Obama spoke about the violence in Chicago neighborhoods, he suggested it was the result of bad choices made by Black youths, saying, “We have to provide stronger role models than the gangbanger on the corner.”
This thinking shifts the problem onto Black people and their lack of discipline rather than acknowledging the real causes of poverty and inequality throughout the country. It also perpetuates the misrepresentation of Black people as lazy criminals who are opposed to authority and education.
But the truth is, Black poverty has been built into American society since the times of slavery, and this is the real problem we’re facing.
The very economy and democracy that America was built on relied on slavery to support the nation’s cotton, sugar, rice and tobacco industries. And after the abolition of slavery and the fight for civil rights, Black suffering didn’t just come to an end.
During decades of economic struggle, Black people have been unemployed as well as underemployed, improperly housed and poorly schooled. During the Nixon and Reagan administrations, social-welfare programs had their funding slashed, the effects of which are still damaging Black communities today.
As the following blinks will show, racism still exists long after the civil rights movement of the 1960s. And it’s fueling a new Black liberation movement.
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What is From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation about?
From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation (2016) brings you up-to-date on the ongoing struggle for Black liberation in the United States. Discover the real reasons why racism continues to fracture America and why activist organizations like Black Lives Matter remain a much needed force for change. The fight is far from over, so find out what you can do to be part of the solution.
From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation Review
From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation (2016) by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor is a thought-provoking analysis of the history and politics behind the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It offers a powerful critique of the systemic racism that plagues American society, highlighting the urgent need for change.
- The book skillfully examines the intersection of race and class, revealing the complex dynamics that perpetuate inequality and oppression.
- With its rare blend of historical context and current events, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the fight for racial justice.
Best quote from From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation
The black political elite has no fundamental political difference with the status quo in the United States. . .
—Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor
Who should read From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation?
- Sociology students and people studying race relations
- African-Americans and civil-rights activists
- Readers interested in the Black liberation movement
Categories with From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation
Book summaries like From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation
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From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation FAQs
What is the main message of From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation?
From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation explores the struggle for racial justice and offers insights into building a powerful movement.
How long does it take to read From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation?
The reading time for From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation a good book? Is it worth reading?
From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation is an important book for understanding systemic racism and fighting for racial equality.
Who is the author of From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation?
The author of From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation is Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor.
What to read after From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation?
If you're wondering what to read next after From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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