7 Books to Combat Racism

In the ongoing fight against racism, education and awareness are key components of creating lasting change. Books have the power to not only inform but also inspire action, challenge preconceived notions, and foster empathy. If you’re looking for insightful reads that address racism, its historical context, and the paths toward racial equality, these seven books are essential for anyone wanting to understand the impact of racism and contribute to meaningful change.

1. The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander

Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow explores how the U.S. criminal justice system has disproportionately targeted Black Americans, leading to mass incarceration. Alexander argues that the system has created a racial underclass, subjecting Black people to discrimination long after the civil rights era. The book is a powerful call to action for criminal justice reform and racial equality.

Why Read It?
This book offers an eye-opening look at the systemic nature of racism and how policies continue to perpetuate racial inequality. It is a crucial read for anyone interested in understanding how racism operates within modern institutions.

2. How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

In How to Be an Antiracist, Ibram X. Kendi provides a clear and compelling argument for the need to actively confront and dismantle racist ideas and systems. Kendi outlines the difference between being “not racist” and being “antiracist,” challenging readers to take responsibility for their role in promoting racial equality. Drawing from history, science, and personal experience, Kendi invites readers to change their mindset and become proactive allies in the fight against racism.

Why Read It?
Kendi’s book is an essential guide for anyone looking to understand how to actively combat racism in their everyday life. It encourages self-reflection and actionable steps to dismantle systems of oppression.

3. Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Between the World and Me is a poignant letter from Ta-Nehisi Coates to his teenage son, where he reflects on the Black experience in America, the history of racial oppression, and the reality of being Black in a society that often dehumanizes Black bodies. The book dives deeply into the emotions, struggles, and resilience of Black Americans while exploring the persistent issue of systemic racism.

Why Read It?
This personal and emotional narrative offers powerful insight into the lived experience of Black Americans. Coates’ reflective, intimate approach makes this book a must-read for those seeking a deeper understanding of race and racism in America.

4. So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo

Ijeoma Oluo’s So You Want to Talk About Race serves as a practical guide for navigating difficult conversations about race. Oluo provides clarity on topics like privilege, police brutality, microaggressions, and intersectionality. The book is designed to equip readers with the tools they need to engage in meaningful discussions about race and understand the complexities of systemic inequality.

Why Read It?
This book is an excellent resource for those who want to start discussing race but may feel unsure or uncomfortable. Oluo’s accessible writing style and straightforward approach make the subject of race easier to understand and address with empathy.

5. White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo

In White Fragility, Robin DiAngelo examines the defensive reactions that many white people have when confronted with discussions about race. DiAngelo argues that these reactions often protect and reinforce systems of racial inequality. The book challenges white readers to reflect on their own biases and urges them to engage in honest conversations about racism, even when it feels uncomfortable.

Why Read It?
This book is a crucial resource for white people looking to better understand their role in perpetuating racism and how to engage in more constructive conversations about race.

6. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Although fiction, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is a powerful and timely novel that explores racism, police brutality, and identity. The story follows Starr Carter, a 16-year-old Black girl who witnesses the fatal shooting of her best friend by a police officer. The book powerfully addresses the challenges of growing up in a marginalized community and the emotional and psychological toll of systemic racism.

Why Read It?
This novel gives readers an emotionally gripping view of racism and police violence through the eyes of a young protagonist. It provides insight into the challenges Black teens face and serves as a reminder of the importance of activism and standing up against injustice.

7. Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi

Ibram X. Kendi’s Stamped from the Beginning offers a historical analysis of racist ideas in America, tracing the roots of racism from the early colonial period to the present day. Kendi shows how racist ideas have been created and propagated throughout history to justify discrimination and inequality.

Why Read It?
For readers who want to understand the historical foundations of racism in America, Stamped from the Beginning is a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of how racist ideologies have been embedded in American society over time.

Conclusion: Educating Yourself to Combat Racism

These seven books are a starting point for anyone who wants to take meaningful steps toward combating racism and contributing to a more inclusive, equitable society. By educating ourselves on the history and reality of racism, we can better understand the impact of our actions and work to dismantle systems of oppression. Whether through nonfiction or fiction, each of these books provides valuable perspectives that can challenge assumptions, inspire action, and promote positive change.

Taking the time to read these works is a crucial part of the larger fight for racial justice, and it’s up to each of us to do our part in creating a world that is truly equal for all.