I think this is a powerful read and soundly researched. It’s interesting to have the included pieces of Black narrative interwoven, but it brings clarity to how the sustaining of some large economic policies have remained intact. I think I’m giving it three and half stars, indicating that everyone should read it, but there are also other books and research articles out there that are more poignant and address narratives that I think heavily attribute to the poverty cross in America. 

Thinking about the expansion of decolonization and stolen land and reparations far beyond that of restoring the human basic needs, which should be the priority, so please don’t mishear me. 

Poverty is literal and generational and many Black and POC Americans are shouldering the reality of both. I’m thinking mostly about Desmond’s integration piece and how history shows us two narratives of integrative measures. I am thinking about the safety and security that communities of color provide in an America that seeks to erase. There’s layers here and I think Desmond does a good job of recognizing them, but maybe not addressing the possible severity of removing them if some of these measures where to take place. 

Overall, a powerful read that brings to the forefront my complicity in perpetuating poverty, the communal effort of displacing folx, and cyclical nature of numbness. There are and will be things that I do moving forward, to remain vigilant in what I consume and support, and that is something I am taking away from this read.