I don't think I could put together a proper review that would do justice to Carruthers' powerful words. I will say that I found her recounts of past movements wholly moving and her explanations of how to do better wildly inspiring.

At times I felt like her intelligence surpassed my own in a way that meant I'd never really understand how necessary her activism is, but I tried to focus and remain open, listening carefully. I noted several passages to return to as I gain a greater capacity to consider her advice and encouragement. I've included a few here:

“I’ve learned over years that there is no struggle without discomfort.”

“‘Who are your people?’ is a question meant to agitate. It is meant to help us become clear about who we identify with and push us to make connections where they aren’t obvious or comfortable.”

“None of us work up knowing what we knew then or understand now. It’s not common for most people in the US to attend schools where the story of our freedom struggles and victories are as important as reading Ernest Hemingway, learning algebra, or understanding photosynthesis. We had to unlearn before we learned—and this continues today. We are in an ongoing process of defining the Black queer feminist lens and how it works.”

“At its best, the Black radical tradition represents the deepest of our thinking and the most effective action for Black liberation. Black feminism, communism, socialism, liberation theology, and hip-hop are all part of the Black radical tradition and have transformed the shape of Black struggle and life by influencing thought and action. At its worst, this tradition addresses race while failing to advance the destruction of all class and gender hierarchies.”

“We can and must go deeper with definitions of collective punishment. Developing a more complete story of what’s happening to oppressed people globally expands our ability to craft better strategies for creating transformative change.”

“Self-interest situates you, your vision, and your values in relationship with others.... I stay in my work because I am the daughter of a woman who continues to work a low-wage job despite years of experience that should have resulted in much more than a basic income. I stay in this work because I grew up in a household where heat during Chicago winters was not always guaranteed. People should not have to live without heat in a country where renewable, affordable energy is possible. I stay in this work because I fear that I could one day be a Black woman pulled over in her car for failing to signal and later found dead in a jail cell. Sandra Bland lost her life that way. I am afraid that I could too.”

“The Black radical tradition exemplifies the struggle to break down the fictions and move toward dignity. Our tradition asserts that transformation is not only possible but also absolutely necessary for continued survival of all people and the planet. Our charge goes beyond government. Our work today is about redefining humanity and transforming our relationships with each other and with the land.”