How to Be an Antiracist

By: Ibram X. Kendi

Narrated by: Ibram X. Kendi

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the National Book Award-winning author of Stamped from the Beginning comes a “groundbreaking” (Time) approach to understanding and uprooting racism and inequality in our society and in ourselves—now updated, with a new preface.

“The most courageous book to date on the problem of race in the Western mind.”—The New York Times

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR—The New York Times Book Review, Time, NPR, The Washington Post, Shelf Awareness, Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews

Antiracism is a transformative concept that reorients and reenergizes the conversation about racism—and, even more fundamentally, points us toward liberating new ways of thinking about ourselves and each other. At its core, racism is a powerful system that creates false hierarchies of human value; its warped logic extends beyond race, from the way we regard people of different ethnicities or skin colors to the way we treat people of different sexes, gender identities, and body types. Racism intersects with class and culture and geography and even changes the way we see and value ourselves. In How to Be an Antiracist, Kendi takes listeners through a widening circle of antiracist ideas—from the most basic concepts to visionary possibilities—that will help listeners see all forms of racism clearly, understand their poisonous consequences, and work to oppose them in our systems and in ourselves.

Kendi weaves an electrifying combination of ethics, history, law, and science with his own personal story of awakening to antiracism. This is an essential work for anyone who wants to go beyond the awareness of racism to the next step: contributing to the formation of a just and equitable society.

©2019 Ibram X. Kendi (P)2019 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“What do you do after you have written Stamped From the Beginning, an award-winning history of racist ideas? . . . If you’re Ibram X. Kendi, you craft another stunner of a book. . . . What emerges from these insights is the most courageous book to date on the problem of race in the Western mind, a confessional of self-examination that may, in fact, be our best chance to free ourselves from our national nightmare.”—The New York Times

“How to Be an Antiracist couldn’t come at a better time. . . . Kendi has gifted us with a book that is not only an essential instruction manual but also a memoir of the author’s own path from anti-black racism to anti-white racism and, finally, to antiracism. . . . How to Be an Antiracist gives us a clear and compelling way to approach, as Kendi puts it in his introduction, ‘the basic struggle we’re all in, the struggle to be fully human and to see that others are fully human.’”—NPR

“Kendi dissects why in a society where so few people consider themselves to be racist the divisions and inequalities of racism remain so prevalent. How to Be an Antiracist punctures the myths of a post-racial America, examining what racism really is—and what we should do about it.”—Time

Marvelous and useful.

I bought a print copy of the book after hearing Kendi interviewed but quickly downloaded the audio book as well. As impactful as his writing is, I found it it important to hear his voice, his emphasis and passion throughout.

There are ideas here I’d heard before or concluded for myself, but many connections I’d never made. This is an important book for anyone who wants to imagine and help create a better future.

This book has changed how I see the world

Ibram X. Kendi is a voice of a generation. He masterfully weaves his personal story into the story of persisting racist systems in America. He admits his own mistakes and how he is developing on his journey as an antiracist. This allowed me, as a reader, to be more honest and gentle with myself, thus keeping me engaged and open to his message. Every American should read this book!

A must read

For anyone trying to dismantle the white supremacy within themselves. Anyone who has felt overwhelmed by racism and how to make it something we as a society work together to undo, this is a great book to add to your library. I will not think of racism and it’s power in the same way.

Great book!

Everyone should read this book. If you are interested in learning more about racism and how to combat it this book is a must read.

Pure excellence

The most enjoyable and yet challenging book I’ve read about how racism. Kendi keeps it both real and thoughtful. He is systemic in being an anti-racist, and repeatedly challenges himself on living the anti-racist life he advocates. A must read for anyone wishing to be a better neighbor to blacks, women, and indeed anyone living on the margins.

Enlightening

This book includes history, philosophy, and personal story to explain current racism in the US.

Indispensable reading

Insightful, illuminating text that gives food for thought and action for this moment in time.

Excellent and scholarly work

Excellent and scholarly work with a very personal memoir feel. Dr Kendi passionately brings his words to life. I finished the book inspired to contribute to anti-racism.

Breathtaking

I was moved to tears by the humility and vulnerability of this book. My thinking was challenged at its core. What an accomplishment! Thank you for the hope and energy that I feel for taking on my own racist ideas and for inspiration to fight for Anti racist policies.

A MUST LISTEN!!

This book is incredibly impactful! The way Ibram X Kendi blends his personal upbringing and life story, history of racism, and recent current events, is amazing. This book will forever be something I refer back to on my path of working towards an anti-racist future.