Back to Black
By Kehinde Andrews
Genre: Non-Fiction
Publisher: Zed Books
*Gifted*
Watch the Breakdown
This book is a real home schooling, exploring the history of black radical politics, and breaking down how things such as Marxism tie in with the Black Panther Party. Plus it breaks down the differences between things such as narrow and cultural nationalism and pan-Africanism. The book gives a real in-depth exploration and critique of movements in the UK and US throughout the 21st century and aims to provide a blueprint to make a significant change.
“Black radicalism is one of the most optimistic politics that exists. While recognising the totality of oppression that Black people face, it refuses to lose faith that the problem of racism can be solved.”
Is that how you’re feeling yeah
Back To Black is a real blunt, taking no prisoners, educational book. Did I enjoy reading it? Hmm, as a kid I didn’t enjoy having to eat an orange when I wanted to yam down a pack of Chewit sweets but it was beneficial and I’m thankful I did. If you finish this book and haven’t come out with notes and research points then you haven’t read it properly. I had so many notes that I lost some. Seriously I was a mess, running around with pieces of paper.
This book is without doubt an uncompromising and very in-depth look over black movements and politics throughout the 21st century. When reading it it’s very clear how well structured it is and researched. Forreal forreal I think it’ll go over a lot of peoples heads though. Many people like to hear how things can change but do they really want to be in the work, hmm not overly! As Kehinde mentioned, to achieve a whole override of the system, it’ll require bold sacrafices from many and that is where the eyebrows start dancing and people say “hmm, yeah about that.”
“History suggests that once people are doing better they are less likely to revolt against a system they are making gains in”
Kehinde’s book reminds me of my pups and his advice (that I’ve never directly asked for)… It’s always right and nessecary but it takes a while for me to absorb the full power of the message.
I will say though, since I’ve read this book I’ve found myself more able to engage in political conversations and I’ve been recommending the book to people without even trying to, so it’s clearly unconciously left a mark on me. Because it’s written in a very academic tone, if you’re not a big time reader or academic I can see it being a struggle to read the whole book, even though you could very well share the same views.
It was real interesting to read from a critical point of view the ideas and movements of key black figures like Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X.
A niggling thought... I’m like Frizzy don’t say it, dont be petty, but here it goes. The book is about black people and black radicalism so I feel conflicted as to why I’m seeing Russell Brand's quote and opinion of the book featured on the cover. Full honesty, though I did first hear about Kehinde Andrew on Russell Brand's podcast. A friend recommended I listen to that specfic episode.
“The Field Negro is authentic because they embrace the politics of revolution, whilst the House Negro ‘is out of his mind’ because they are committed to the system that is oppressing them.”
It Hit me when
The whole book hits me. I have learned new things in every chapter, or at the very minimum deepened my understanding of certain topics.
The topic of respectability politics stands out. It’s the notion of black people needing to act in a certain way. A good example would be Rosa Parks Vs Claudette Colvin. Everyone knows Rosa Parks, but how many people know of Claudette?
Nine months before Rosa, fifteen year old Claudette refused to give up her seat for a white person, but was pregnant. She was “too much the stereotype” to be seen as the first or fully supported by her peers.
This happens so often in the workplace up to now. I’ve been in situations and witnessed others being told that they can’t be too loud, too opinionated or showcase any of the stereotypes that follow black people. You’re expected to act deserving that you’re in mainstream/white spaces.
Length
331 pages and that includes the bibliography/ source notes and also index pages. It took me 2 months to read the book. Inna real life, I had to read pages, then re-read them and then sip on my peppermint tea to digest.
“There was little pretence of equality in the West; until 1965 it was legal to discriminate on grounds of race in Britain.”
Seasoning Level
All purpose seasoned. This book is really mentally stimulating, them rewarding big brain workouts there. I’ve got a lot of time for Kehinde Andrews. He’s unapologetic, he loves his people and is committed to enlightening us. He wants to see black people in a better place.
The Big Quote
“We can only judge our success by how far we have improved the condition of the black nation. Calling yourself an African, wearing Kente cloth and celebrating Kwanzaa is a lifestyle choice not an achievement”
*Gifted by Zed Books in partnership with Black British Bloggers
