White Supremacy Is All Around

Notes from a Black Disabled Woman in a White World

By: Akilah Cadet DHSc MPH

Narrated by: Akilah Cadet DHSc MPH

Founder and CEO of consulting firm Change Cadet Dr. Akilah Cadet shares a powerful, incisive look at where we are in the fight to dismantle white supremacy—and what we urgently need to do next​.

This is the story of how I became an unapologetic Black disabled woman in a white world. This book is for people who look and live structurally like me to be valued, seen, heard and perhaps some advice on how to navigate life amongst white supremacy. This book is also for white people who have been “doing the work” since the murder of George Floyd to read my story and be able to clearly see systemic oppression, racism, and ableism. There are books sharing the historical context of white supremacy, providing tips on how to be an ally or anti-racist, and firsthand experiences from Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) which are important. I push the conversation that leads to real change through my story. This book is for the Black woman who is looking to been seen and soft in shared lived experience. It is for the white person who is immersing themselves in the community they want to advocate for. It is for anyone who understands that learning and unlearning is lifelong.

White Supremacy Is All Around arrives as the U.S.’s ongoing racial reckoning has left people searching for voices they can trust. BIPOC, disabled people, and other intentionally ignored Americans want to feel heard and empowered; organization leaders and allies invested in dismantling white supremacy want a framework for how best to contribute. Dr. Akilah Cadet speaks to all these needs, drawing from her life experiences and work helping leading brands build inclusive and equitable cultures to offer an informed perspective that prioritizes belonging. In a series of personal stories told with her trademark candor and wit, Dr. Cadet explores the long-term work required to combat structural oppression from her unique vantage point as a Black disabled woman. She tackles everything: from the 2020 “summer of allyship” and depression caused by workplace discrimination to navigating disability and building a consulting business, all with a little inspo from Beyoncé.

A powerful call for true accompliceship for non-Black people, and a way for Black people to see and celebrate themselves, White Supremacy Is All Around ushers in a new voice that is timely, urgent, and essential—and a vision we all need now.

©2024 Akilah Cadet (P)2024 Hachette Go

Critic reviews

“In an era clamoring for justice and equality, Dr. Akilah Cadet emerges as a light to follow with her seminal work, White Supremacy Is All Around. This book is not merely a call for awareness but a call to action, urging readers to dismantle the structures that perpetuate the racial pitfalls of a nation and world. With masterfully relatable prose, Dr. Cadet equips us with the knowledge to recognize the insidious nature of systemic racism. White Supremacy Is All Around is more than a book—it’s a necessary chapter in the narrative of our society, written by a woman whose life’s work champions the empowerment of the marginalized and the reimagining of the institutions that bind us.”—Frederick Joseph, New York Times bestselling author of Patriarchy Blues

“Dr. Akilah Cadet is a phenomenal storyteller. Her book is intimate and raw and can easily be read in one sitting. My jaw was at the floor multiple times, and reading the chapter on her father has given me so much to digest on my own experiences with my dad. As a non-Black person of color, I am beyond moved with what was shared and hope that folks read with open hearts as Dr. Cadet pours hers out so generously.”—Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez, author of For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts

“Dr. Akilah offers an intimate and heartfelt rebuttal to the ableist, oppressive systems that persist, and shares her voice on behalf of all those silenced by it.”—Nicole Cardoza, Educator, magician

Incredible! Worth every minute!

I never wanted this to end. It was such an incredible read, so much so that I will be purchasing the physical book to reread and annotate. Thank you Dr. Cadet for your phenomenal words.

Everything!

Literally had me in tears as I was reading this book. Being a black young woman dealing with white supremacy in my workplace is tough and hard there has been plenty of times when I wanted to quit but I refuse to let them build on character and make decisions based on my skin color. I will always stand up for what’s right thank you for helping me find my voice. Much love and respect to you my fellow sister 🖤

Examples of How to Be ACCOUNTABLE!❤️‍🩹

Holding people accountable is exhausting and necessary, Dr. Cadet shows you how.

An extraordinary woman, leader, and teacher.

Authentic self shining through

I loved everything! I only wish the 22 questions (toward the end) were available to download from this version