*4.25 stars
(content warnings at the end)

i'm sure we're over the "this should be essential reading" phrase on this site, but this is something people should really go out of their way to read.

self-disclosure, i'm from toronto, which is where the majority of desmond's anecdotes are based in, so the cases and situations he recalls are ones i remember vividly. the years of 2015-2017 were some of the more tense times in toronto surrounding blm and police brutality, i remember the coverage being incredibly lacking for the incidents mentioned- and the ones not mentioned as well; there were so many points in which the populace of toronto who were BIPOC and subsequently, were attacked by members of the police who are meant to "serve and protect"

i also really, really enjoyed how desmond cole makes sure to mention many different marginalized communities, like black muslims, indigenous people, and immigrants. there are also whole chapters on black LGBTQ+ people, and it really showed that intersectionality is a large part of our lives and should be a focus in the movements. when you say black lives matter, include black immigrants. black muslims, black queer people, black trans people.

in a world where performative activism is seen as scraps that we should accept instead of seeing them for what they are: scraps. in black history month, i'm not really seeing anyone keep to their words. "focus on black books, educate yourselves, read black authors" where's the same energy when it actually comes to it? there's a good emphasis on traction for the blm movement in certain times, but in others, there isn't much to it in the public spheres. if we want to start somewhere, keep your word @ white allies.

anyway, this was a really good book, i can see the merit within the pages, and i feel like it'd be very beneficial for people to read. so yes, READ THIS BOOK! actually read black authors! jfc

content warnings for
police brutality, racism (systemic, intentional)