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Stay Woke: A People's Guide to Making All Black Lives Matter
The essential guide to understanding how racism works and how racial inequality shapes black lives, ultimately offering a road-map for resistance for racial justice advocates and antiracists
When #BlackLivesMatter went viral in 2013, it shed a light on the urgent, daily struggles of black Americans to combat racial injustice. The message resonated with millions across the country. Yet many of our political, social, and economic institutions are still embedded with racist policies and practices that devalue black lives. Stay Woke directly addresses these stark injustices and builds on the lessons of racial inequality and intersectionality the Black Lives Matter movement has challenged its fellow citizens to learn.
In this essential primer, Tehama Lopez Bunyasi and Candis Watts Smith inspire readers to address the pressing issues of racial inequality, and provide a basic toolkit that will equip readers to become knowledgeable participants in public debate, activism, and politics.
This book offers a clear vision of a racially just society, and shows just how far we still need to go to achieve this reality. From activists to students to the average citizen, Stay Woke empowers all readers to work toward a better future for black Americans.
When #BlackLivesMatter went viral in 2013, it shed a light on the urgent, daily struggles of black Americans to combat racial injustice. The message resonated with millions across the country. Yet many of our political, social, and economic institutions are still embedded with racist policies and practices that devalue black lives. Stay Woke directly addresses these stark injustices and builds on the lessons of racial inequality and intersectionality the Black Lives Matter movement has challenged its fellow citizens to learn.
In this essential primer, Tehama Lopez Bunyasi and Candis Watts Smith inspire readers to address the pressing issues of racial inequality, and provide a basic toolkit that will equip readers to become knowledgeable participants in public debate, activism, and politics.
This book offers a clear vision of a racially just society, and shows just how far we still need to go to achieve this reality. From activists to students to the average citizen, Stay Woke empowers all readers to work toward a better future for black Americans.
288 pages, Paperback
First published September 24, 2019
72 people are currently reading
1698 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 11, 2019
Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
So I read this book a while back when I got it via NetGalley. I honestly just wasn't in the mood to review it though. Not because it wasn't a good primer about systematic racism and why black lives matter. But because I am just sick of justifying my existence to people out there. I don't know how many people have heard about the 1619 Project that the New York Times published. But the number of white men and women who screamed reverse racism and how black people need to get over slavery was just exhausting to see online. We could get over it if our country acknowledged it. We have the historians fighting the good fight out there, but we as a country don't want to hear about the ugly things we have done. We are Americans and therefore we are always on the side of truth and justice, except when we are not. Go read about how we treated the First Nation people in the United States, how many lies we told, how many people we massacred. Go read up about the Chinese Exclusion Acts. Or you know, the fact that we locked up Japanese Americans during World War II.
"Stay Woke" is a really good book that dissects race and the history of racism in the U.S. I have to say as another reviewer said, the things that this book touches upon were not surprising to me. I think though that it definitely will be great reading material for any man or woman out there that wants to read about about racial equality and how and why black lives matters started back in 2013.
This book also has a glossary that I thought was good to include so people can become more knowledgeable about certain terms. I also loved that each of the chapters links to resources if a person reading wants to find out more. The illustrations that comes with the books that get into statistics around hate crimes and money earned for African Americans was eye-opening as well. Hate crimes are going up post Trump being elected in 2016, and I would be interested in seeing the final analysis on that after 2020. I had to do some digging to find some for you all to review since I got this via an electronic ARC though and found these on the book's Amazon page. I can't embed them in my Goodreads review unfortunately, if you want to see them though, check out my Booklikes page, see Obsidian Blue's Stay Woke Review
I thought that Candis Watts Smith and Tehama Lopez Bunyasi did a great job of breaking things down and actually giving readers facts. A lot of things get obscured online due to trolls or just inaccurate reporting. So it was very good to me to just read this book.
So I read this book a while back when I got it via NetGalley. I honestly just wasn't in the mood to review it though. Not because it wasn't a good primer about systematic racism and why black lives matter. But because I am just sick of justifying my existence to people out there. I don't know how many people have heard about the 1619 Project that the New York Times published. But the number of white men and women who screamed reverse racism and how black people need to get over slavery was just exhausting to see online. We could get over it if our country acknowledged it. We have the historians fighting the good fight out there, but we as a country don't want to hear about the ugly things we have done. We are Americans and therefore we are always on the side of truth and justice, except when we are not. Go read about how we treated the First Nation people in the United States, how many lies we told, how many people we massacred. Go read up about the Chinese Exclusion Acts. Or you know, the fact that we locked up Japanese Americans during World War II.
"Stay Woke" is a really good book that dissects race and the history of racism in the U.S. I have to say as another reviewer said, the things that this book touches upon were not surprising to me. I think though that it definitely will be great reading material for any man or woman out there that wants to read about about racial equality and how and why black lives matters started back in 2013.
This book also has a glossary that I thought was good to include so people can become more knowledgeable about certain terms. I also loved that each of the chapters links to resources if a person reading wants to find out more. The illustrations that comes with the books that get into statistics around hate crimes and money earned for African Americans was eye-opening as well. Hate crimes are going up post Trump being elected in 2016, and I would be interested in seeing the final analysis on that after 2020. I had to do some digging to find some for you all to review since I got this via an electronic ARC though and found these on the book's Amazon page. I can't embed them in my Goodreads review unfortunately, if you want to see them though, check out my Booklikes page, see Obsidian Blue's Stay Woke Review
I thought that Candis Watts Smith and Tehama Lopez Bunyasi did a great job of breaking things down and actually giving readers facts. A lot of things get obscured online due to trolls or just inaccurate reporting. So it was very good to me to just read this book.
June 11, 2020
This book is like Black Lives Matter 101. It traces the movement, the organization, the goals, the reasons it exists. Filled with vocabulary and resources, it's a great starter book in understanding why Black Lives Matter is needed.
September 27, 2019
Pretty good book, would be great for the YA audience. A little jargon-y at times, but one of the better "don't be a racist" books to come out in recent years.
August 26, 2019
Powerful book about racism and how it works. This should be required reading in college courses. The authors give you a lot to think about.
August 9, 2020
This book provides an excellent overview of racism and antiracism that's grounded in history and social science research. It's written in an accessible way and contains practical suggestions for how to incorporate and sustain antiracist practices in your everyday life.
I spoke with Tehama and Candis for a podcast I host and produce; we covered many of the book's main themes and discussed the clumsy journey to antiracism playing out across the U.S. in the wake of George Floyd's death. You can find the interview here: https://www.democracyworkspodcast.com...
I spoke with Tehama and Candis for a podcast I host and produce; we covered many of the book's main themes and discussed the clumsy journey to antiracism playing out across the U.S. in the wake of George Floyd's death. You can find the interview here: https://www.democracyworkspodcast.com...
March 9, 2024
From the book: "Actively resisting and loudly agitating against racism can be awkward. At first, you might use the wrong words, be unaware of the entire history underlying the problems, or slip into old habits of respectability politics. And people might get annoyed with you as you try to convince the most well-meaning complicit racists to get a grip, face reality, and do something. Some people will laugh at you or look at you with dismay; they may even disown you, verbally or even physically abuse you, troll your Twitter account, call you racist and/or sexist epithets, suggest that you are overreacting or being too sensitive, or deem you a race traitor because you're upsetting the status quo, but know this--you'll be on the right side of history. Staying woke means being aware of the fact that although racism can be reproduced in our day-to-day lives--in our personal interactions, the way we do our jobs, the way we raise our children--we can take small (or big) corrective steps to undermine the erroneous respectability politics and colourblind narratives that underwrite racial oppression."
This book is a much needed salve to the wounds inflicted by childish politicians of the political right in Canada and the United States who have, in recent years, attacked the word "woke" without any context, and in so doing have shown themselves to be racist demagogues who have no consideration for equity and universal human rights. Indeed, they hope to keep society in a very unequal state, not only to keep Black (and other intersectional) people down but ensure division within the working class so we cannot upend the monstrosity of modern capitalism.
This is a wonderful book that lays out 21st century society through the lens of Black feminist resistance. It explains the terms, the context, the history, then provides paths for forward, cooperative action. Many books, articles, and films are given in each chapter for further consideration. After reading this I hold great hope for the future if we can commit to action.
This book is a much needed salve to the wounds inflicted by childish politicians of the political right in Canada and the United States who have, in recent years, attacked the word "woke" without any context, and in so doing have shown themselves to be racist demagogues who have no consideration for equity and universal human rights. Indeed, they hope to keep society in a very unequal state, not only to keep Black (and other intersectional) people down but ensure division within the working class so we cannot upend the monstrosity of modern capitalism.
This is a wonderful book that lays out 21st century society through the lens of Black feminist resistance. It explains the terms, the context, the history, then provides paths for forward, cooperative action. Many books, articles, and films are given in each chapter for further consideration. After reading this I hold great hope for the future if we can commit to action.
February 25, 2024
I recommend reading this book. I consider it a "contemporary" history of racism in America. The tone of the writing is conversational, sometimes a little preachy, and interesting, and sometimes the author's use words like "stuff" a bit too much. They don't hold back on their explanations and readers will learn the vocabulary needed to understand racial politics. The book is well-organized with a good introduction and summary. The illustrations enhance the reading and understanding. There are real practical suggestions for taking action to change racist policies. There are some references to pop culture with which I was unfamiliar and this might be the case for other readers. Also, if the book is being read 10 years from now, a reader may have to look up who/what those pop culture names are. This is also common in many contemporary books, with authors forgetting that their books may last for 100 years - so maybe more explanation about the people and names mentioned would be in order. The title of the book may be misleading to some because the interpretation of the title's words does not have the same meaning to all. The book does explain the title's words. In today's contemporary writing, it seems that it is popular to use catchy words to get attention. I would prefer that the title describe what is in the book - to me the book is a guide to being antiracist. A list of the each chapter gives a reader more of an idea about what is in the book:
Chapter 1 On the Matter of Black Lives
Chapter 2 All the Words People Throw Around
Chapter 3 The Politics of Racial Progress
Chapter 4 Are You Holding Up White Supremacy?
Chapter 5 It Doesn't Have to Be This Way
Chapter 6 21 Affirmations for the Twenty-First Century
Conclusion We Believe That We Will Win!
Acknowledgements
Notes
Bibliography
Index
About the Authors
Chapter 1 On the Matter of Black Lives
Chapter 2 All the Words People Throw Around
Chapter 3 The Politics of Racial Progress
Chapter 4 Are You Holding Up White Supremacy?
Chapter 5 It Doesn't Have to Be This Way
Chapter 6 21 Affirmations for the Twenty-First Century
Conclusion We Believe That We Will Win!
Acknowledgements
Notes
Bibliography
Index
About the Authors
July 22, 2020
One of the things I think works best about this book is the systematic approach the authors take to building their case and providing practical steps to up one's antiracism game. The authors, Tehama Lopez Bunyasi and Candis Watts Smith, have done an excellent job building scholarly data into an easily accessible and understandable presentation for non-scholars, while still clearly showing how various forms on oppression, violence, and dispossession historically have and continue to conspire to ensure that Black Americans are less protected and have less access to resources and opportunity than their white counterparts. The book's movement is very effective, beginning with some historical background and evidence for a pervasive pattern of racial inequality in the US, then providing a glossary to help ensure that readers understand what the authors mean by certain terms that have often been misrepresented by defenders of the status quo and those with a racist agenda, then the following chapters move through ways to determine whether your actions are supporting racist power structures (even tacitly or unconsciously), ways to adjust your thinking about how racism functions, and finally some specific principles to buoy antiracist action.
January 24, 2023
Excellent primer for those unfamiliar with the racial justice movement in the US. It manages to give a solid survey of a variety of topics and point to resources in an accessible way. Each of the main chapters ends with recommendations for further study often including not only books but websites, podcasts, films, and children’s books.
Perhaps the most practical part of this book especially for people hoping to enter into conversation and action around racial justice is the second chapter which is essentially an accessible annotated dictionary of key terms that are often misused or misunderstood. I think in this area definitions and clarifications are often needed to have level headed discussion.
Each chapter also ends with a “Space for Debate” section prompting further discussion/debate around the issues covered.
I’d say this work covers things in a basic way, that I was already largely familiar with having done extensive reading and research regarding racial justice, but this is certainly a valuable resource as it consolidates a lot of things into one easy to read book that can help launch the reader into action and points to other works for those ready to dive deeper.
Perhaps the most practical part of this book especially for people hoping to enter into conversation and action around racial justice is the second chapter which is essentially an accessible annotated dictionary of key terms that are often misused or misunderstood. I think in this area definitions and clarifications are often needed to have level headed discussion.
Each chapter also ends with a “Space for Debate” section prompting further discussion/debate around the issues covered.
I’d say this work covers things in a basic way, that I was already largely familiar with having done extensive reading and research regarding racial justice, but this is certainly a valuable resource as it consolidates a lot of things into one easy to read book that can help launch the reader into action and points to other works for those ready to dive deeper.
December 31, 2022
"Your vote is a blunt instrument to translate your preferences into political action."
This was a terrific resource book and an exceptional extension of the work I personally am doing to understand my contribution and ignorance in the face of both individual and systemic racism. I loved how the book broke out definitions and explanations, and at the end of each chapter provided a wealth of resources. I feel like it gives excellent instruction to help discuss these matters with people perhaps not as far along in progressive-minded thinking as maybe you would like to see (looking at you "all-lives matter folks). It always amazes me that people will have such strong opinions about things they have never bothered to actually learn, relying on soundbites, conspiracy theories, and confirmation bias to feed their minds and hearts.
Paul Krugman (Nobel prize-winning economist) - "it is not economic anxiety that poses the greatest threat to US democracy today; it's white nationalism run wild."
This was a terrific resource book and an exceptional extension of the work I personally am doing to understand my contribution and ignorance in the face of both individual and systemic racism. I loved how the book broke out definitions and explanations, and at the end of each chapter provided a wealth of resources. I feel like it gives excellent instruction to help discuss these matters with people perhaps not as far along in progressive-minded thinking as maybe you would like to see (looking at you "all-lives matter folks). It always amazes me that people will have such strong opinions about things they have never bothered to actually learn, relying on soundbites, conspiracy theories, and confirmation bias to feed their minds and hearts.
Paul Krugman (Nobel prize-winning economist) - "it is not economic anxiety that poses the greatest threat to US democracy today; it's white nationalism run wild."
June 29, 2020
Please put this book in your anti racist toolkit! The book throughly outlines the anti Black racism in all aspects of life from housing to health care to access to food. It includes an entire chapter going over many of the words and phrases we see thrown around, providing definitions and correct usage. There’s a chapter on how the current Movement 4 Black Lives isn’t separate from former racial movements, but is a continuation of them. It includes sample responses to some commonly used liberal talking points like “colorblindness.” The book ends in an uplifting manner, explaining that if we dream big and work towards that dream, we will win.
Every chapter ends with thoughtful discussion questions (answer them!), reading recommendations, children’s book suggestions, and podcast selections.
4.5/5 ⭐️
Every chapter ends with thoughtful discussion questions (answer them!), reading recommendations, children’s book suggestions, and podcast selections.
4.5/5 ⭐️
October 24, 2019
Stay Woke lays out clearly, with examples, the very real racial problems embedded in American society - but not only that, the book gives concrete steps that we can take to work towards dismantling them. If you've ever been met with "ALL LIVES MATTER!" when trying to explain why Black Lives Matter, this book lays out an eloquent and easy-to-understand explanation that you can use in these situations in the future. Well-written in digestible sections, this book is a must-read for our modern times.
April 5, 2021
I really feel more “woke” after reading this book! Yes, the title is cheesy but as a white person striving to be anti racist, I appreciated the way the author’s laid out the specific facts in a way that didn’t make me feel dumb and/or ignorant. Their explanations were short and to the point. They offered up practical and clear ways we can take action and help bring about change. I wish I had read it before reading “How to be an anti racist” by Ibram X. Kendi. I feel this would have been a better book to start with.
January 6, 2022
A very well researched and written breakdown of the history of systemic racism that exists in the US as well as it's current pervasiveness. Highly recommend for anyone new or not new to the topic as it has a ton of great research broken down in graphs and stats that make things very black and white (pun intended.) It also has a great glossary at the end that is a wonderful research when navigating a lot of the terms and phrases that are getting thrown around these days.
July 21, 2019
Stay Woke is a powerful and important exploration of social issues related to ethnicity and identity. The book is logically arranged and is well-developed. Stay Woke has the potential to form the basis for transformative conversations and I recommend it for study groups, multicultural education courses, and personal reading. I'll say it again: Powerful.
October 15, 2020
Great resource for understanding systemic racism in America. Charts and graphs are very helpful. The data shows the problem. Now we all needto stay woke and resolve systemic racism. Ideas for that too, included in this book. Beautiful look at what America could be.
March 6, 2021
I great read for understanding racism and how to be an anti-racist. A little confused about using LatinX because I have heard that folks from Latin countries don’t like being lumped together. But, I cite the book frequently because it contains a lot of great advice.
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March 10, 2021This book would be a great resource to own - as it is packed full of additional resources and reflection questions.
I found the following breakdown of the racism spectrum to be illuminating:
overt racist
structural racist
complicit racist
antiracist
I found the following breakdown of the racism spectrum to be illuminating:
overt racist
structural racist
complicit racist
antiracist
March 9, 2022
I think the message of this book is good, the delivery could be a little smoother, but I think the thing separating it from being a great book is that it tried to bite off too much in such a short book.
December 20, 2023
Good content, but not much new if you've also done their great course. Fantastic review if nothing else. I worry that some might think this is an apologist piece for BLM. If you feel out of touch, this could be a great start for you.
October 17, 2019
This would be an excellent book for students, or as a gift to the budding activist in your life. Well written and engaging.
July 20, 2020
Brilliant.
July 28, 2020
I loved this book. It was engaging and informative. I found myself not emotionally/mentally drained after reading it.
July 28, 2020
Excellent resource with helpful definitions and PRACTICAL ideas about how to make a difference.
March 29, 2021
A must read if you are on the path to being an ally. Read a section and sit with it before continuing.
May 5, 2021
Might use for teaching.
October 8, 2021
finished this book up in a week for better education! very well written and composed beautifully, and it perfectly included statistical facts and opinions/experiences.
December 20, 2021
This books is great thanks so much I recommend it to everyone
January 22, 2022
(Print) This was on display at my local library. It is a great primer to understand the terminology and values of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews