The Anti-Racist Vocab Guide: An Illustrated Introduction to Dismantling Anti-Blackness

by Maya Ealey

From "Assimilation" to "Decolonization," "Black Wall Street" to "Police Brutality," and "Colorism" to "White Supremacy," this book equips you with the language to engage in crucial conversations around anti-Black racism.

The Anti-Racist Vocab Guide is a boldly illustrated visual glossary that distills complex subjects into comprehensive yet accessible definitions of terms and provides concise and insightful explanations of historical moments. With reflection questions to use for introspection or as a starting point for hard conversations with those close to you, this book will encourage both your learning and unlearning—no matter where you are in your journey to understanding race in America.

THOROUGH AND This book presents huge topics in easy-to-understand language that welcomes readers of every experience.

REFLECTION  Each entry is followed by questions to encourage readers to continue their education and translate their new understanding into positive action in their daily lives.

BEYOND THE This is an invaluable resource guide that breaks down and goes beyond common phrases to provide actionable awareness.

EVOCATIVE  Author Maya Ealey's striking art provides conceptual illustrations of each term explained in the book in her bold, passionate style.

Perfect

Genres: History

144 pages, Hardcover

Published January 30, 2024

Reviews

[Dezz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this. The artwork was very engaging, and painted a picture which conveyed empowerment, strength and educational value. It gave deep consideration to these topics that hold systemic value and importance. These detailed and engaging conversations and questions towards the end, sparked a lot of internal discussion that emplored new perspectives. I WILL be recommending this as much as I can. It’s beautifully written. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this before it launched!

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley.

I appreciated this book's formatting; a book with small segments are so much easier to read. The content is necessary and informative. Each word/phrase defined also has reflection questions.

[Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I have been trying to engage in anti-racism for years now, I thought it certainly could not hurt to pick up what I thought could be a good refresher. Never heard of the author or the book but saw it was available on Book Outlet and thought it would be a good read for Black History Month.

The book is, as it says, an illustrated introduction to defining words and phrases in the goal of dismantling anti-Black racism. Maybe you've heard of "assimilation" but are you familiar with "Black Wall Street"? If you've engaged in these conversations you're probably going to be familiar with many of the terms, phrases, concepts, etc. here but you also just might learn a thing or two, as well.

Each entry ranges from only taking part of the page to several pages (it depends on how complex the concept is). There are also illustrations and art which helps break up the visual monotony of the text. You get some definitions, some commentary, some history, etc. It's a relatively accessible text that I think would work for high schoolers and above.

Super minor quibble but I would have liked to have a more expanded "additional resources" section that went beyond books and include other media like movies, shows, etc. It's great that there is a section for additional reading but books are not for everyone or may not be their preferred way of consuming information but this is certainly not a bad thing and really my own preference.

Got as a bargain buy and that was fine for me.

[Haerlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Description
From "Assimilation" to "Decolonization," "Black Wall Street" to "Police Brutality," and "Colorism" to "White Supremacy," this book equips you with the language to engage in crucial conversations around anti-Black racism.

The Anti-Racist Vocab Guide is a boldly illustrated visual glossary that distills complex subjects into comprehensive yet accessible definitions of terms and provides concise and insightful explanations of historical moments. With reflection questions to use for introspection or as a starting point for hard conversations with those close to you, this book will encourage both your learning and unlearning—no matter where you are in your journey to understanding race in America.

This is a great primer for many popular terms, though I was missing some emerging terminology like "misogynoir," All told, I would recommend this book for people who do not have the benefit of academic texts or those who need a quick reference,

[Laura Nasoulinh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Chronicle Books for an arc of this book.

This book did so much for me during my deconstruction journey. Maya Ealey put into perspective so much for me with this book., There are reflection questions at the end of each chapter which helps with deconstruction.

The illustrations and the information gathered in this book is helpful. Learning how much our government along with society making it harder for BIPOC communities to even exist. Learning about how systemic racism and structural racism have been created for the White Man to continue to dominate in the US.

The end of this book also have reading recommendations which have all been added to my storygraph for reading in 2024.

I am so happy I came across this book while scrolling Netgalley,

[AnnieM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic and timely visual glossary that defines terms in a way that is clear and understandable -- from Affirmative action to BIPOC to code-switching to intersectionality to microaggressions, etc. and describing historic events - such as Black Wall Street, Move Bombing and the Loving case. The author clearly states that this book is not meant to cover everything but it is a great jumping off point -- each term has a beautiful illustration accompanying it as well as reflection questions. She also defines what it means to be "anti-racist" - working to challenge systemic racism and advocating, learning and taking action. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Chronicle Books for an ARC and I voluntarily left this review.

[Tatyana ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Digestible and straightforward, this engaging vocabulary guide can be a companion to other works to learn about anti-racism and advocate for change. Each concept is explained in one to three pages with definitions, historical events, and further reading. An illustration and thought-provoking reflection questions then accompany them to keep readers engaged and foster critical thinking. I found that these questions would be great for personal reflections as well as larger discussions. This would be great to read no matter where you are in your learning journey, and I’m happy I picked it up!

Thank you to the Netgalley, author Maya Haley, and, Chronicle Books for an advanced copy of this book! All opinions are my own. Available as of January 30, 2024.  

[J R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to read Ealey’s book based on the title alone. It did not disappoint!

After Ealey opens the book with a glimpse into the pain of living in a blatantly racist society, she generously proceeds to patiently open the door for even the most emphatic denier of systemic racism to be able learn something.

The definitions are digestible and lay the groundwork for the thought exercises Ealey includes to take her reader to the next level.

I am grateful for Ealey’s effort to teach me and others the basic tenets of our racist society without anger - no small feat. This book is needed and should be required reading in middle school, high school, and higher ed.

[Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touched on every subject needed to throughly understand the anti-racist vocabulary. It was easily written & easy to understand. The reflection questions at the end of each chapter are great discussion questions which Im sure will spark conversations. The art in the book was beautiful. Overall I enjoyed the book & people of all races can learn from it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Kiara Kenney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone who is interested in learning these concepts. Very well written and the illustrations are beautiful. I especially liked the recommended reading at the end. It was very easy to understand.

[Diane Rembert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This guide is one that is needed for today's society. It provides pertinent information on how to maneuver thru Corporate America, the school system, social media, etc. It would make a great conversation piece amongst friends, family and colleagues.

[GLORIA HAWA · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a great book for people who are deconstructing their racism / systemic racism. each page comes with some questions that you can ponder on to help you.

And I love the artwork so much it’s perfect. Job well done

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
I read a digital advance copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley
A vocabulary of terms that any one interested in understanding anti-racism should familiarize themselves with.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Anti-Racist Vocab Guide illustrates what certain words mean and signify in an anti-racist vocabulary. It provides a guide to dismantling anti-blackness with a few very necessary words and terms.

[Marissa Mascaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book and I learned so many things from it to make myself a better ally and accomplice. It even answered questions I didn’t know I had.