Colors of Influence Reviews

The assault on the civil rights, humanity, and dignity of migrants – particularly those who are low-income people of color – is at a fever pitch. High-profile cases bring to light the egregious overreach of immigration enforcement in undermining the rule of law. As we witness the unfolding terror, it becomes increasingly urgent to understand the roots of the racist criminal justice system. Historian César Cuauhtémoc García Hernández writes a retrospective of how the law was weaponized against immigrants during the first Trump administration, citing criminality and lawlessness as the basis for violating the civil rights of people in the United States. Through the stories of newcomers like José Inéz García Zárate, 21 Savage, Sandra Castañeda, and others, García Hernández displays the flaws, inconsistencies, outright cruelty, and vindictiveness in the exploitation of policies and enforcement actions. The book offers a powerful critique of the prejudices embedded in defining crimina...

In "Some Final Beauty and Other Stories," Lisa Alvarez paints the lives and losses of 11 Chicanx and women characters – and the sisters, mothers, lovers, children, and friends in their orbit – who persist through suffering with admirable strength. Set in Southern California, each story reveals loss, resilience, and the quiet gravity of daily life. Alvarez writes Chicanx women who are firm in their principles and identities, unapologetically themselves, and instantly recognizable in their idiosyncrasies. The characters are not reduced to symbols or stereotypes; rather, they carry the weight of personal and ancestral histories while embodying aspects of their culture with dignity and complexity. The stories honor the textures of Chicanx womanhood, revealing a steadfast rootedness in culture alongside the universal truths of love, patience, grief, and small triumphs. Through Alvarez’s attentive prose, small acts, carrying the roses for a young woman’s burial, visiting a loved...

As a Black investor and startup founder, Cliff Goins IV brings firsthand experience and sharp insight to one of America’s most urgent issues: the racial wealth gap. Having navigated the worlds of finance and entrepreneurship, Goins has seen up close the systemic disparities in wealth creation, access to capital, and asset management. From unequal opportunities in homeownership and education to persistent challenges in business funding and employment, the historical gaps are perpetuated in present-day practices. In "Minding the Wealth Gap," Goins skillfully blends data, lived experience, and the insights of experts to illuminate the deep-rooted economic disparities facing Black Americans. More importantly, he highlights the power of collective uplift. Through the voices of nine dynamic “gap closers,” Goins shows how real change happens when Black investors and leaders open doors for others. Each success “play” or strategy underscores the ripple effect of support. Selena Cu...

The modern practice of yoga in Western culture is often criticized for disconnecting from its cultural, historical, and spiritual roots. In many studios and gyms, yoga is reduced to a fitness routine—focused on stretching rather than its original purpose of enlightening the mind. In "A Beginner’s Guide to the Roots of Yoga," celebrated practitioner Nikita Desai reconnects readers with yoga’s ancient Indian origins. Drawing on her Indian heritage, Desai explores the deeper meanings behind yoga’s forms, postures, and intentions, offering a rich historical and philosophical context for those seeking a more authentic practice. Desai shares her personal journey of reclaiming yoga’s essence, inviting readers to do the same by integrating cultural awareness into their practice. Her tone is welcoming and nonjudgmental, making the book accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Although I do not practice yoga, my meditation roots lie in Zen Buddhism. Through conversations with prac...

Illustrator Christina De Witte "Noodles, Rice, and Everything Spice" is a delightful read for readers of all ages. It takes us on a captivating journey, sharing the diverse backgrounds of collaborators Christina De Witte (illustrator, pictured above) and Mallika Kauppinen (writer). Their personal quests to embrace and share Thai culture are intertwined, creating a narrative that is both engaging and relatable. Kauppinen grew up in Thailand, and Belgian De Witte searched for bridges to her maternal culture. Together, they offer their love of Thailand through its rich and diverse cuisine, beloved across the world. The book offers a fascinating insight into Thailand's history, including its interactions with Chinese traders and Portuguese explorers. This historical context enriches our understanding of how Thai cuisine has evolved through the ages. Perfect for readers of all ages seeking an accessible and enjoyable introduction to Thai cuisine, this book is not just a co...

Ebony Stewart’s "Wash" is a powerful, unflinching poetry collection that draws the reader into a world of raw emotion, deep introspection, and lyrical brilliance. As I read through the poems, I found myself captivated by Stewart’s honest reflections on identity, love, loss, and healing. Her voice is unapologetically bold, revealing the complexities of being a Black womxn navigating relationships, societal expectations, and hard-fought victories toward self-worth. Yet, her themes are universal, resonating with anyone who has grappled with their own identity and relationships. What struck me most was Stewart’s emotional transparency: each poem feels like a cleansing, a shedding of shame, doubt, and grief, revealing the triumph of knowing one’s value in a world that often seeks to diminish it. Stewart doesn’t shy away from exploring the pain of extractive love or the vulnerability of desire, but she also leaves room for empowerment and resilience. As a celebrated spoken word ...

In "Words for My Comrades: A Political History of Tupac Shakur," Dean Van Nguyen expertly weaves a compelling narrative of Tupac Shakur’s legacy on global resistance and liberation struggles. Anchored in his mother Afeni Shakur’s activism in the Black Panthers movement, 2Pac’s body of work represents defiance and opposition to classist and racist power. I read this book as a Gen Xer, a non-Black immigrant woman of color who found meaning in both hip hop and grunge rock cultures of my youth. The cultural history of hiphop through 2Pac’s persona and music presented opportunities for nostalgia and grief about our generation’s collective loss when 2Pac was gunned down, a loss of a powerful voice that spoke to our struggles and aspirations. To build the story arc of a revolutionary hero, Van Nguyen expands the narrative by detailing the young rapper’s awakening into the realities of racial disparities, political marginalization, and economic inequities. Van Nguyen demonstrates ...