State of Emergency: How We Win in the Country We Built

by Tamika D. Mallory, Angela Y. Davis (Foreword), Cardi B (Foreword)

Social justice leader Tamika D. Mallory states her case for action in this searing indictment of America’s historical, deadly, and continuing assault on Black and brown lives.

Drawn from a lifetime of frontline culture-shifting advocacy, organizing, and fighting for equal justice, State of Emergency makes Mallory’s demand for change and shares the keys to effective activism both for those new to and long-committed to the defense of Black lives.

From Minneapolis to Louisville, to Portland, Kenosha, and Washington, DC, America’s reckoning with its unmet promises on race and class is at a boiling point not seen since the 1960s. While conversations around pathways to progress take place on social media and cable TV, history tells us that meaningful change only comes with radical legislation and boots-on-the-ground activism. Here, Mallory shares her unique personal experience building coalitions, speaking truth to power, and winning over hearts and minds in the struggle for shared prosperity and safety.

Forward-looking, steeped in history, and rich with stories from life on the margins of American life, State of Emergency is a revelatory examination of the challenges we face, of the forces we must overcome, and a blueprint for all who maintain hope for social equity and a better tomorrow.

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Justice, Race, Politics, Activism, Audiobook, Anti Racist

272 pages, Hardcover

First published May 11, 2021

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of the author but this book fell flat on many areas. I will say that this was very sentimental and inspiring to advocate for social change and race reconcilliation in America. Cardi B Forward was a nice touch to this book, it made it became more alive and more relatable. However outside of a few highlights regarding her background and mission work, this just felt more rehearsed than anything.. There were many things that I heard already and not really anything groundbreaking, this is not really a bad thing but I expected better from someone like Mallory.

I also thought that it was very short with little substance, overall that contributed to the book rating. I will definitely not say that this book was 'bad', it was just missing that spark that Mallory uses gives in interviews. It seemed like she took a subtle approach writing this book, mincing her words when she really wanted to be as brutal as she could be..if that makes sense.

Decent read but I definitely will not recommend this book.

There are far better novels regarding race in America such as So You Want to Talk About Race or Racism without Racists: Color-Blind Racism and the Persistence of Racial Inequality in the United States, those were more meaty and more of a subtance this one.

[Doga102 · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those commenting it seems surface level, proves it did what it intend to do. This book encourages you to do the research. To learn more for yourself, so you can choose what route you want to take with the knowledge you read.


Stop looking for books to justify your feelings and read to challenge and understand them.

The events and cases she spoke about, are things I already knew, but the messages there were driven. Which is, there is no quick fix to a system that was created to hurt it’s people.

For someone who has no/little background to the information presented, would greatly benefit from this book.

Even I learned something.

Tamika did a great job and her words hold everyone accountable, because it puts everything on you as a reader.

What will you do to change your life, and change it for the better for all?

[Andre(Read-A-Lot) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sort of a primer for activism, an activism for beginners if you will. Not that Ms. Mallory is a beginner in this work, she has been at it for awhile now, but the book doesn’t contain the depth of her years. She imbues the text with helpful bits of history to help one understand how we arrived at this State of Emergency, but the narrative seems unfocused. She sprinkles bits of her biography throughout the text, but Sharpton’s influence and impact upon her development largely remains silent. I think it’s a good first effort by Ms. Mallory as the stage is turning and the sun is setting on some of our elder activists, and so the torch must be passed and it is great for these torch grabbers like Ms. Mallory to get her thoughts on paper to aid in her ever expanding profile. Great effort and I suspect her next book will be more hard hitting with strategies to move the struggle forward. I look forward to it.

[Naseem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tameka did touch on a lot. I rate it 3 stars for the things she mentioned and the solutions. I also like the fact that she gave us a little history. This will definitely have you doing research.

What I dislike, is the book being slightly biased. This book is titled “State of Emergency: How We Win in the Country We Built” and it mentions everything except for Black on Black violence. All blame is placed on the opposite race. The only blame the author placed on Blacks is not voting. I don’t see us completely “winning in the country we built” without addressing the harm we cause one another.

[Cayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I agreed with and understood most of the information presented, it wasn’t any new information and it didn’t present with much depth. I could feel the passion and energy in the pages. My favorite part was the letter exchange between Cardi B and Angela Davis. All other parts of the book were okay.

[Carey Calvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tamika Mallory’s slim admonition, State of Emergency: How We Win in the Country We Built, opens with two forwards. One, a plea “Is there room for someone like me?” from the rapper Cardi B “I’m not a traditional activist. I activate,” who acknowledges her faults but desperately wants to help, to the professor and political activist emeritus, Angela Davis.
 
Dr. Davis implores Cardi, even comparing her to Nina Simone who too, “underestimated the way her art played an essential role in the fight for Black liberation,” to continue to invite critical engagement with our current issues.
 
The issues, as Mallory points out in this resounding clarion call to action, center on three guiding sections: How We Got Here, Where We Are, and Where We’re Going; which altogether, as Dr. Davis states, comprise “a radical manifesto that will help to shape future generations of revolutionary freedom fighters.”
 
In the chapter, Our Moment, Mallory defines a racist: “A racist individual is someone who believes their race is superior and will lie, kill, or steal to keep and impose that power.” She cautions however, it is not enough to be nonracist. “An anti-racist is someone who believes in equality and recognizes racism and fights against it, even within themselves.”
 
Nevertheless, she realizes “everyone has bias. Everyone makes assumptions. Judgments. And, it’s not realistic to think otherwise.”
 
State of Emergency not only begs you to question yourself but more importantly what are you going to do?
 
Mallory also employs the rapper Mysonne, as well as political activist Linda Sarsour (We Are Not Here to Be Bystanders: A Memoir of Love and Resistance), to provide additional depth and clarification.
 
The most interesting chapter however, is The Rules. Admitting that “the performance of being Black in America is exhausting,” and regaling against the mask of assimilation, Mallory provides the rules “we all must remember to follow in order to get by.”
 
Here are a few:
 
Rule #1: Do not raise your voice when faced with any challenge. 

Consequence: They will call you angry.
 
Rule #4: Never ask for help. 

Consequence: They will call you lazy or incompetent.
 
Rule #6: Don’t protest unjust abuse. 

Consequence: They will say you hate America.
 
Kirkus called State of Emergency “an urgent call for racial justice that demands attention discussion and action.”
 
Whew, that #6.

[Erica George · Rating 5 out of 5]

[4.75⭐️] I read this because some people I follow on Black BookTok are reading this and The Prophets for Black History Month. I normally don’t read nonfiction because I’m a slut for escapism. That being said, I really loved this!

The forewords by Cardi B and Angela Y. Davis were completely unexpected, but helped set the tone for the contents of this book. Cardi B questions her place in activism as someone who has all of these big feelings about racial injustice but doesn’t necessarily have the scholarly vocabulary to express them and parts of that resonated with me. And I felt embraced by Davis’ response that there is absolutely room for Cardi B (and people like her) at the table because anyone can have a role in the fight for racial equity, no matter what that looks like.

State of Emergency: How We Win the Country We Built is a book that delves into the unsanitized, painful history of Black America, explores how that brutal past connects to the systemic violence we bear witness to today, and delineates the ways that anyone able and willing can fight for our future.

This book is scholarly, but incredibly accessible to all readers. I learned even more about Black history. I’m grateful that it gave me more insight and language to talk about racial injustice. It’s galvanizing. Just…wow.

I think the only downside was that I thought there would be more inclusion/discussion of other marginalized identities in the book because of Davis’ forward. There were a couple of passing references, but nothing substantial. That was a little disappointing. Other than that, this was a powerful read 💆🏾‍♀️

Shoutout to @iamcaseyrkelley and @sisi.be.reading on Black BookTok for the picks!

TW: Lynching references, police brutality, gun violence, death, murder, racism, slavery
Rep: BIPOC people

[Tricia Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

State of Emergency was a very necessary book that I received from The Black Booktok Book Club Buddy Read. Front the start I was captured by the dual Forewords from Cardi B and Angela Y Davis. This set the tone to say we need all of us... young, old, scholarly, street, whatever gender... we need everyone because we are indeed in a State of Emergency. Mallory shares her perspective from the front lines of protest for social justice for black lives. She shares her very personal WHY she is in this fight. She delves into history, most of which I knew except the part about MOVE and the bombing of Philadelphia. She makes this very much a volume anyone could read, opposed to some scholarly volume beyond people's grasp... but the most important part is she give actionable measure you and I could do, should do to improve the America we helped build and deserve to partake in.

[Faloni © · Rating 5 out of 5]

State of Emergency: How We Win in the Country We Built by Tamika D. Mallory

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...

[Matt Feltman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good jumping-off point for people who are beginning to learn about the injustices in America, but I would hope that those people would then search out more extensive research into these issues. Mallory speaks to the first time activists, and her section about Karenism and The Women's March in DC should be read by all activists. I just wish there was more historical research that didn't just briefly summarize the issues.

[Kenya Tramel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Tamika, Angela and Cardi. The book provided no new information and problems not solution. I look forward to Tamika’s evolution in activism and support her 1000%!

[Quan Hammonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative the time is now the moment here State of Emergency. Great book

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read, great review and overview of the rights and wrongs of how to help and hinder the ongoing crisis of our state of democracy.

[Rotosca Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not agree with everything in this book, but I really loved it. She’s very passionate about our people, my people & I love it! If only everyone could read this book with an open mind, I feel a lot of positive change would happen.

[Oladeinde · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was like a burning shaft in my heart as it enlightens on the social ills in America as it relates to Black folks. However, Tamika only scratched the surface and did not elaborate intensely. Do not get me wrong, she drives home her points but there is still more to be said that was not. I totally agree with her that the police needs to be defunded and the Black communities be refunded. In essence, more needs to be done on the part of the Black folks in order for these things to be done. Even though I agree with most of her views, I think her overt feminism should be checked thorough and thorough. In all, the book was exceptional and should be read by both Black and White folks in America as it concerns both.

[Niki Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is NECESSARY. It is the ONLY book I've ever read that allows the TITLE to be the CLEAREST point about the actual STATE of America. Many critiques and comments that I've read compare this book with other books by American authors on the subject of RACISM. To me, this is a book about a DEEP and prolonged direct EXPERIENCE of the author that AWAKENED her to finally see, through so much pain, shock, loss, degradation, and brutal public betrayal and public scorning what our actual STATE OF EMERGENCY is. The author, Tamika Mallory, is a FORCE in the fabric of these United States that has SPARKED a RECOMMITMENT to face the TRUTH about the level of severe and violent mental illness of Americans as we reveal so much about our yet unresolved conflicts and contradictions.

Tamika Mallory joins in a 500 year old STRUGGLE for TRUE Liberation for ALL...a promised LIBERATION that was written in our official Declarations and Constitution, but NEVER delivered. This book tells us HOW and WHY Tamika Mallory did such a thing, and then gives us notes on how we can JOIN her.

After reading the book, I deeply believe that Tamika Mallory BELIEVES that we, as REAL human beings in America, can indeed join her in the STRUGGLE, especially the Black Liberation struggle from a woman's point of view, and WIN in this Nation that WE BUILT. That we is the WE THE PEOPLE who are actually capable and willing to work until equitable JUSTICE, TRUTH, UNITY, LOVE, COMPASSION, EMPATHY, JOY, REPARATIONS, and RESTITUTION are a reality in America.

I am so excited to read the experiences of another believer and WARRIOR for JUSTICE and American DEMOCRACY no matter how much HELL she continuously walks through and lives to tell us about. It's contagious. And please know that reading the conversation between Cardi B and Dr Angela Davis in the forward is WORTH the book alone!

It is now 4 years since Tamika Mallory spoke so POWERFUL and TRUE with a PASSION that rang OUT to the world across the press and social media after the torturously SHAMEFUL public state MURDER of George Floyd. What Derek Chauvin did, then a Police Officer who GLOATED in his white male supremacy status as an officially protected RACIST KILLER on duty for the city of Minneapolis, MN let us know that he lives in a deeply mentally ill delusional sadistic bubble that is a reality all across America. THAT moment of Tamika Mallory back in 2020 made her famous. This book is NOT that moment that made the author a household name, so please don't approach this book waiting to be entertained by the same shot of such passion. If you care about the human being behind the fame of that moment in time...and care about all the WORK she put in to make it to that moment in Minneapolis, and have the capacity to respect the work of actual activists who make it to our stages and are passed the bullhorns for an EXCELLENT reason, then you are READY to LOVE this book as I do, because we are STILL in a STATE of EMERGENCY.

I carry a copy in my car and I KEEP another copy in my hallway in my home so I can pick up and re-read before I walk out the door. As I said, I find this book NECESSARY...to me, this book is the most generous and precious gift any American citizen can give to another.

I hope to STAY engaged and inspired by Tamika Mallory's work and look forward to more and more Americans sharing their own personal journey to WIN our Country that WE THE PEOPLE built. If we do, we are essentially doing what Tamika Mallory is writing about. We are taking our OWN necks, one at a time, from under the unethical barbaric criminal DEATH GRIP KNEE of our extremely violent racist misogynistic genocidal capitalism that runs our government, corporations and institutions as a very SICK and 500 year old colonized way to hoard profits and unearned privileges for a tiny controlling and manipulative re-branding minority that STEALS our tax dollars, betrays and tricks voters, steals our land and our human rights while driving all the REST of the 330 Million Americans into fearful over-consumption, debt, sickness, grief, dependency, HATE, violence, ignorance, madness, apathy, narcissism, confusion, addiction, distraction, isolation, greed, blame, criticism, accidents, deadly mistakes, many different levels of poverty and deprivation while we drift further and further away from our own humanity in a devastating separation by CLASS and CASTE.

I'm READY and I have a plan, thanks to STATE OF EMERGENCY by Tamika Mallory.

[Neil Krasnoff · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had I already been aware of the author's association with anti-Semites, Linda Sarsour and Louis Farrakhan, I would not have purchased this hardcover book. Having read it in its entirety, I would say that Tamika Mallory is an eloquent spokesperson for black separatism, more than equality between people. It is especially troubling to me that while she writes about build a movement based on anti-racism, she purposely glosses over anti-Semitism . Mallory has previously been called out for her Anti-Semitism by former Jewish members of her movement. Instead of learning from this experience, Mallory doubles down on her association with Farrakahn by having none other than Linda Sarsour write part of the book.

This book covers well-known history and makes the case for policies that are sensible and practical. It is easy to see where she is coming from in calling for black separatism, given the terrible injustice and violence suffered by black people in America. However, too much of the book is given over to glossing over and trying to justify the dysfunction of the Women's March that Mallory herself led. It would have been far better if she was humble enough to recognize her own role in that dysfunction. Moreover, I would like to have seen that Mallory had learned and grown regarding her blindness toward anti-Semitism and her potential Jewish allies who have also suffered historical exclusion, persecution and violence at the hands of the same white supremacists. At the very least she could have mentioned the case of Leo Frank, who was lynched, causing terror among Jews of the south. I don't think that is asking too much. In the meantime, I personally am done reading anything related to intersectionality. I've made the effort to understand the movement and way of thinking, but have come to the inescapable conclusion that Jews who are proud and out about their Jewishness will never be included in this movement, and that is a tragedy.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This relatively short book delivers a wallop of a punch in order to ensure that the call for social justice for Black America does not fade from the frontline.

As it is the role of an activist and organizer, Mallory has not only raises the alarm but provides a primer on the why, how, and what of being proactive regarding social justice.

The format is logical and has the right bites of information without overwhelming the reader. The language is plain-spoken and speaks with a passion and urgency.

Mallory starts out with her personal experience helping to form an intimate connection with her readers, and then goes on to showcase – “How We Got Here”, “Where We are”, and “Where We Are Going”.

The key takeaways for me were:
- There is a place and a way for everyone to be involved. (Not everyone wants to be on the protest line)
- The key to being successful is a multipronged approach; Protest, Politics (going to the polls), Policy
- Effective communication and goals for Protest, Politics, Policy will ensure there is an understanding on what can be done.

This is a practical book that all will find readable and encouraging. This impactful book deserves to be a part of public and school library collections.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaways and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Tamika Mallory uses this platform to give a very concise overview of what’s wrong with America from the perspective of Black Americans, and lays out a clear path of what is needed to begin to fix the issues. Some of it is very surface level, but it’s not a long book and really trying to get to the root of the history clouds the central point which is—how do we live and move forward in the state we’re in? There are other books—The History of Racism in America comes to mind immediately—that make the deep dive, so Mallory doesn’t have to. And frankly, you don’t need the deepest understanding of the racist history of our country to know that it is currently a mess and it needs to be fixed. I think this book represents a great opportunity for a lot of white America to really listen to a black person, without requesting emotional labor and hand holding from folks they might be personally close to. It’s written in a very casual style, almost as though it’s a conversation with a wiser friend, and for that I think it is very accessible to anyone who wants to have a hand in making America a better place for everyone.

[Jesse Hassinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tamika Mallory’s State of Emergency is a great primer for getting motivated and involved with the protest movement for social justice. She presents historical and present-day issues with ease and relates everything to why it matters to the struggle. I am only giving it three stars because as a book for people who already know much of this history and present-day issues, there isn’t a lot of new information or insights. For experienced readers who have read other anti-racist texts prior to this the new insights/information are around Mallory’s own experiences, which are unfortunately not included enough to make the whole unite.

In short: if you’ve already read authors like Kendi, Wilkerson, Marable, Davis, Shakur, etc. this is a quick read that isn’t essential, but is interesting. If you take a look at the previous list of authors and can only identify one or two, this book is a great place to start the journey of why getting involved in politics, protesting, and accomplice work is vitally important.

[Marie-Ange Janvier · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I pick up this book I wanted to learn more about the heart of an activist for the #blacklivesmatter movement. I felt like I was having a conversation with Tamika in this book. Like she was telling me her history and motivation to become an activist and voice for the #blacklivesmatter movement. I feel she is the voice of a new generation of civil rights activists and she gave a great perspective and tough love on the state of black people living in USA. I’m motivated to help this movement in my own way. While I don’t necessarily want to protest in the street like Tamika, she mentioned many ways to be an ally to the movement without necessarily protesting in the streets. I also loved that she talked about the intersectionality of the #womenmarch and the #blacklivesmatter protest. I actually relate more to the #blacklivesmatter movement as a cause at it relates more to my reality of everyday life.

[Tyler Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes a deep dive into the racial issues that have plagued the Black community in America since its inception.

Most conservatives like to pretend that after the Civil Rights Movement if the 1960s, that we live in a "Post Racial" America, where everyone is treated fairly and equally. Thankfully, most people outside of the conservative bubble know that this is false.

Speaking as a white man, this book does an incredible job at educating people from outside the Black community. There was so much that I learned from this book.

We (allies) must stand with and protect the our Black and Brown friends from the institutional racism that still persists in this country. To be non nonracist is not enough, we need to be fully anti racist, and call it out when we see it in our friends, families, and especially within ourselves.

There is still so much work to be done.

[K · Rating 2 out of 5]

The low rating is due to the fact that I already knew/was aware of 90+% of the book's contents. To me,it could have been greatly condensed.It would be much better for teens &/or community discussion groups where many would not be as knowledgeable re: historical treatment of African-Americans. So, I did finish it and will return it to the library.(Too bad I have to go past the III% ers house---hey,maybe they'll read it,LOL! You never know.)

[Avard MacPhee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well written book show the hardships faced by minorities in the world today. Although written based on the Black experience in the USA, the world have many of the same challenges of equality. The prospective from those in the participating rallies, rather than that of the law enforcement is a very different spin. Well worth reading if you have an open mind to others plight in society. 4.2 Stars

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book didn’t have enough facts for me and the style of writing wasn’t to my liking. I agree with it all. I’ve been waiting for a national directive of what to do since President Obama. I know it isn’t that simple but I get very frustrated when thinking of how the Alabama bus boycott years ago was successful after one year. I feel like we are ready to sacrifice again but it seems like much more red tape is involved these days….

[Jamie Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved this book in a goodreads giveaway. This book was motivating and had good information. I mostly appreciate the unique perspective of someone on the front lines and the author's discussion on the importance of voting, especially locally. I would have given five stars, but I do not like how she glossed over her support of Louis Farrakhan.

[Davion Rosser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read and I'm glad I picked it up. What I liked most was how clearly Tamika articulated the problems that minorities face in America today. I also liked how she not only talked about the problems but solutions to these problems as well. Another big takeaway from this book was her focus on women throughout history who have been warriors for social justice.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a hard book to rate. I felt some of it was very educational. I feel some of it was more a list of injustices. I don’t feel like I learned much about being an ally or how to help the movement. At most points it seemed like the author’s intent was instead to make people angry without guidance on how to direct it constructively.

[Jesse Keljo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This powerful and personal story of the antiracist fight is an essential, searing read and is best experienced as an audiobook narrated by the author and her accomplices in this fight, which literally allows them to speak for themselves.

[Kieshaboo Mays · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tamika Mallory really had me think about the issues of the world especially our black men. Having black boys myself is scared . I have to teach them at younger age how to act around whites or police. This book really have you think in ways you never think of before .