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Book Review: Words of Change Anti-Racism

Kenrya Rankin

“Anti-Racism: Words of Change” by Kenrya Rankin is a collection of formidable and potent quotes on the importance of racial justice and why we must work together to dismantle white supremacy. Rankin, a journalist and editor, published the book in 2020 at the height of the social protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd and other unarmed Black people. Folks in social justice circles would recognize the luminaries featured in the book, including diverse voices, such as Asian American activist Grace Lee Boggs, known for her work in civil rights and feminism, abolitionist Henry David Thoreau, and Dennis Banks, founder of the American Indian movement. Also highlighted is a who’s who of contemporary celebrities and thinkers about equity, such as Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, Alicia Garza, and W. Kamau Bell, among others.

Race relations are a contentious and uncomfortable topic, especially now that there is more awareness about racial inequities in mainstream discourse. “Word of Change: Anti-Racism” delivers poignant messages in a concise, visually appealing, and easy-to-digest package. The book delves into the complexity of racial hierarchy, offering nuanced perspectives and thought-provoking insights. Photos of luminaries grace the pages in a layout reminiscent of social media posts. This is a social justice book for our times, an invitation for a generation of leaders to learn about the complexity of racial hierarchy in small doses.

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