I have always been keenly interested in black politics and activism. Growing up, I often felt disconnected from my African roots while also experiencing the harsh realities of being a person of color in Western society. It wasn’t until I began delving into literature on the topic that I truly began to understand the complexities of black political movements around the world. In this article, we’ll be reviewing some recent books that explore various aspects of black politics and activism—from historical analyses to contemporary issues facing the diaspora today. As someone deeply invested in these topics, I’m excited to share my thoughts and insights with you all!
Freedom Is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement by Angela Y. Davis
Oh my gosh, where do I even begin with this book? Freedom Is a Constant Struggle is an absolutely essential read for anyone who wants to understand the interconnectedness of social justice movements across the globe. Angela Y. Davis does an incredible job of breaking down how struggles for freedom in places like Ferguson and Palestine are related to each other through systems of oppression like racism and imperialism.One key takeaway from this book is that no struggle exists in isolation – they’re all connected. The Black Lives Matter movement doesn’t just affect people in America; it has global implications because white supremacy operates on a global scale. This book will make you think critically about these issues and help you see things from different perspectives.
“Assata: An Autobiography” by Assata Shakur
I was blown away by “Assata: An Autobiography”. It’s such an honest account of what it was like to be part of the Black Panther Party during one of the most tumultuous times in American history. Assata Shakur’s story is truly inspiring – she fought against systemic oppression both within and outside of prison walls.This book provides important context for understanding why organizations like the Black Panthers were necessary at that time, but also illuminates how they were systematically dismantled by state violence. One thing I took away from this book is that we need more people like Assata Shakur fighting for liberation today.
“The Black Panthers Speak” edited by Philip S. Foner
“The Black Panthers Speak” is a collection of speeches and writings from members of the Black Panther Party throughout its existence as well as reflecting on their overall message over time. This book really showcases how radical their ideas were at the time when many mainstream politicians were trying to appease moderate whites instead while ignoring demands made by black communities.Their calls for self-determination, community control over police forces or oppositions towards capitalist exploitation still resonate decades laterOverall, “The Black Panthers Speak” gives invaluable insight into what made them so powerful as well as making us question how much progress have actually been made since those pivotal struggles took place?
