As a long-time legal commentator, political campaign staffer, and a member of the Clinton administration, Keith Boykin knows politics. And as a gay, Black man he knows racism and bigotry and their pervasiveness in our political and social landscapes. His latest nonfiction book explores the history of systemic racism in politics and government and offers suggestions on how our country can truly confront and atone for its racist past and realize a future where all are truly equal.

The through-line in all of Boykin's commentary is this: Many white Americans, particularly white men, fear a country where people of color outnumber white people. Due to this fear, they continue to resist and, especially now, actively work against a political landscape and social order where Black Americans are truly equal to whites. As a political insider, Boykin's commentary is peppered with real-life examples of how racism flourished and anti-racism stagnated in various presidential administrations, particularly Bill Clinton, in whose White House he served. Each president, from George H.W. Bush to Donald Trump, is examined based on how they addressed America's racism and how they worked to perpetuate it, combat it, or, in some cases, do both.

Boykin's observations are astute, even if some are ones we've read before. I found his assessments of the Clinton and Obama presidencies particularly enlightening. While Clinton was adept at being the first southern Democrat to appeal to both white and Black voters, he also didn't promote racial equity as much as Boykin had hoped and even passed a crime bill that helped increase the incarceration of Black people. Boykin also believes that, as the first Black president, Obama didn't do as much as he could--and should--have to focus on the concerns of Black Americans. And, as you would expect, Boykin is most critical of Donald Trump and his particular skill at fueling and giving voice to white Americans' resentment of Black advancement (particularly the reality of America having a Black president).

Boykin is passionate about politics, which comes across very clearly in his personable, accessible writing. The narrative, does, at times, seem a little disorganized and convoluted, particularly a portion that has the reader imagine a future America (as enticing as that America is!). Yet, when Boykin wraps up the book with suggestions on how to make true progress and "fix" America, the reader is left both more informed and hopeful.

Much thanks to @NetGalley and @boldtypebooks for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.