Back to Black by Kehinde Andrews
Context
There is a rich history of Black radicalism that dates as far back as slavery.
Although the term Black radicalism has been used widely, it is arguably the umbrella term that describes a variety of movements, protests, philosophies or ideologies, approaches, tactics, revolts and other forms black resistance against racial oppression.
Plot
Back to Black by Kehinde Andrews traces the eminent history of Black radical politics.
The historiography of Black radicalism is not merely an attempt to describe a particular past event but also to critically examine methods and approaches (their successes and failures) as a way of understanding as well as shaping the discourse on the Black radical tradition.
The book in my view is an appeal to arguably reclaim Black radicalism, a movement that has been diluted and moderated over time, wilfully misrepresented and caricatured by others, and divested of its potency and potential for global change.
Final Thoughts
I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book, this book is definitely not for those who want to just dip their toes into Black radicalism and see if it is their thing. This book is for people who have already studied/have knowledge of this tradition and/or other anti-racist, anti-capitalist efforts.
If you have no prior knowledge about the topics being discussed in this book it could be a good be a great reference point.
Andrews claims that the aim of the book is ‘to trouble and disturb, to shake us out of our complacency, especially that induced when we presume we are ‘awake’.
For those not familiar with the discourse on Black radicalism, this book might ‘trouble and disturb’. but I don’t think it would ‘trouble and disturb’ those that already understand and are aware of the topics discussed.
Andrews is definitely pushing a very important message.
I would like to say a big thank you to Black British Bloggers & ZED Publishers for sending me a copy of this book to read.
Please leave your thoughts below!
See you soon,
Yas x
