Anti-Racist Ally: An Introduction to Activism and Action by Sophie Williams

Anti-Racist Ally: An Introduction to Activism and Action Reviews

• 
  Kai Spellmeier

  Allyship is what you do, not what you believe.
  
  Anti-Racist Ally is exactly what it promises to be: a quick, informative introduction to anti-racism, allyship, and getting active. It's a very short book that can easily be read in one sitting, which is great on the one hand because it takes many important concepts and explains them in a few brief paragraphs. On the other hand, it is only an introduction. It's not an in-depth look at society, race and racism. It's merely a first step in a direction that has the potential to take you very far if only you are willing to put the work in. Reading this book is the bare minimum. It doesn't suffice to flip the last page and give yourself a pat on the back. Luckily, the author lists a number of books, like
  Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race or
  Black and British: A Forgotten History. I can also recommend
  Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot and
  See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love, and for the Germans reading this both
  exit RACISM. rassismuskritisch denken lernen and
  Was weiße Menschen nicht über Rassismus hören wollen are required reading.
  
  I think this is an important and impactful read that meets the reader's expectations, but it's also fairly thin with huge fonts and spacing that make the book larger than it needs to be. Worth a read, but don't stop there.
  
  
  Find more of my books on Instagram
• 
  Alaina

  I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
  
  Wow. Anti-Racist Ally was definitely an eye opener. Honestly, I loved everything that Sophie wrote because it made me think about so many things. Whether it was something I've personally said or did.. or just being a bystander to someone else. Now she touches on a lot of different topics and broke down the ways that we, as a person, could do better.
  
  For example, I am a MOD for a group on Goodreads - Challenge Corner. We have used the term 'POC' for tasks here and there. Now, for me, I thought I was just trying to expand people's reading horizons. Like maybe they never read a book where the MC wasn't white before. Or the Author. It's a weird thought to me but I don't really dive into what other people are reading or tend to read either.
  
  After diving into this book, Sophie said that for her personally - she hated the term. She also mentioned some new ones that I've never heard of - BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of color) and BAME (Black, Asian, Ethnic Minority). While reading her points as to why she doesn't like these terms, it definitely made me pause and think about it as well.
  
  Long story short, I'm going to change my ways when creating tasks for challenges and not use those terms. I know it's not much but it's a start and I'm going to continue changing and bettering myself, my group, and even the challenges for everyone to involve.
  
  In the end, I am beyond happy that I dove into this book. I'm also really excited to dive into the books that she recommended at the end.
• 
  Pauline

  Anti Racist Ally is a real pocket rocket of a book - in 173 tiny pages, Williams manages to put together a little go-to guide that’s both concise and nuanced. The format is engaging, covering everything from the basic terms that have been utilised more in the aftermath of the #BlackLivesMatter movement (eg. tone policing, racial gaslighting, colourism), all the way to how to be an ally in your social circle, workplace, at home and in your communities.
  
  The part ‘Allyship Anxieties’ is a standout, where the chapter is laid out almost in a Q&A format. As an ally, you may want to be involved but have nagging thoughts like: ‘i don’t have enough of a voice to make change’ or ‘this isn’t my fight’ or maybe even ‘racism will die out in a generation’. Fear not - Williams has answers to all of these; answers which are both clear-headed and unapologetic.
  
  I must admit that most of the content isn’t new to me thanks to the books that i’ve read, podcasts that i’ve listened to and other content on the internet i’ve come across. But i still found it valuable as it reaffirmed my existing knowledge.
  
  This is a read that i would recommend to everyone - and you may find it especially valuable as a white reader. As much as i recommend this, however, do keep in mind that this is merely an introduction to action and activism, as laid out by Williams. Please ensure that you conduct further reading in other antiracist texts (eg. How To Be An Antiracist, Why I No Longer Talk To White People About Race, Me and White Supremacy, or So You Want To Talk About Race - just to name a few!).
• 
  Renaissance Kate

  I read this during my lunch break today and am so glad I picked up this book. It's filled with both great reminders and insightful tips for people at all stages of their allyship journey. Since it's an introductory guide and a quick read, it's a handy resource I will go back to as well as promote so these crucial conversations keep happening and the push for change continues one step at a time.
• 
  Riley

  This book is a must-read for everybody. This discussed how simply not being racist isn't enough and what you can do to be an Anti-Racist ally. I loved how this book talked about information while also giving the readers ways to make a difference in their community, work environment, home, school, and many other places. As well as how this book discussed how to continue fighting against racism even when the hashtags aren't trending. It addressed uncomfortable conversations that need to be discussed and how to approach them. Overall this book was amazing and gave so much information as well as resources to learn more from.
• 
  Hilary

  "Death, sex, money, politics - all of these topics are impacted by race, and so they are also areas that we need to get comfortable learning, thinking and talking about in order to be effective allies."

  
  
  This book was one of my anticipated non-fiction reads of the last few months of 2020, so I was delighted when Sophie Williams offered me a PDF to review.
  
  Anti Racist Ally is the perfect starting point for anyone wanting to begin their antiracism journey, or anyone at the beginning of said journey. However, I do think there are aspects that would be relevant for anyone at any stage, at it covers so many topics and may open up an avenue a reader has never even considered. Every other sentence is quotable in a conversation about racism and allyship, and I could've chosen about 20 quotes to start this post!
  
  The way the book is laid out is very clever - it makes for easy reading and absorption of the ideas, but also allows you to reference or revisit the book if you want or need to. The whole book is well referenced throughout and explains key terms extremely clearly, giving an ideal baseline for further research to be undertaken by the reader. Williams addresses privilege throughout each chapter, forcing the reader to consider their own, again providing a good root for antiracism work.
  
  I loved the chapter on allyship anxieties, as it gives answers and solutions to any reason you may have to not start antiracism work, leaving no reason not to begin immediately. It gives a whole list of reasons the reader should be involved, and alleviates any fears a reader might have, covering many topics I know I have heard people mention.
  
  Although I like to think that I am not at the very beginning of my antiracist journey, I have made some great notes and next steps for myself to take, which is really the best part of this book. It covers so many different aspects of allyship, there is always something more you can be doing. I know this is a book I will revisit time and time again, and I'm sure others will too. I would recommend this book to absolutely everyone. It is a must read.
  
  *Thank you to Sophie Williams and Harper Collins for sending me the PDF of this book in exchange for an honest review
• 
  Maria Gracella

  "Allyship is not just fighting for those people you know or to whom you feel a connection, but for everyone, simply because it's the right thing to do."
  
  ------------------
  
  This book is a great introduction for people who are starting out their journey to anti-racism. It is a short, quick yet informative reads. Divided into several concise sections, it goes through so many important aspects about racism and allyship. From intersectionality, what racism looks like now, to tips on how we can be an anti-racist ally within our social circles, workplace, home and in our community.
  
  But, just like the title, this book is merely just an introduction. A small guidance to start your allyship towards racism if you don't know where to begin. It doesn't offer an in-depth look and discussion at society and racism. Good thing is, the author has included several good sources for further reading.
  
  Well, if you're someone who's farther along on the anti-racism journey, this book is too simplistic and you might end up not getting anything new from it. But, for someone like me who's extremely new and practically a newbie at this journey, I think this book was a great primer to start. But we can't just stop here, though.
• 
  Annine

  Quick and easy introduction to anti-racism. It'll take you about an hour to read, and I recommend that you do that (if you're white)
• 
  Delaney

  Anti-Racist Ally is just what it says it is: it is a quick introduction to becoming an anti-racist ally.
  
  It is incredibly readable. The sections are all short, and so it’s easy to start and stop, and the language is common vernacular for the most part. It’s not an overly academic book that is going to be harder for some to read. The format in and of itself is incredibly approachable.
  
  My only worry is that Williams could have been even better at defining some terms that are in the racism lexicon. I would agree that most people in 2021 should know what a microaggression is, but maybe they don’t. And some of it is just a little funky, for example, she talks about intersectionality before getting to the part of the book where she really defines intersectionality. For those of us who have been talking about race for a long time, they are familiar terms that we don’t even think about, but I think that to those just beginning to learn about racism, having all of these terms thrown at them can be really overwhelming. So although she did a fairly good job of having definitions and actually introducing words, I think it could have gone further.
  
  However, like I said, it was overall very readable and easy to understand. Although there wasn’t much that I personally haven’t read before, it is exactly the kind of book I would like to give to my friends and family who are beginning their anti-racism journey. And of course, Williams acknowledges that her book is the beginning of the journey, and recommends lots of other resources for continuing anti-racism education. Anti-Racist Ally fulfils its goals perfectly, and if you are looking for an anti-racism introduction, or want to give one to others in your life, I think this is a great book for that purpose.
  
  Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Erikka

  This is a great primer for someone new to anti- racism. Clear, concise, unflinching, well organized, and leaves room for growth. Bear in mind, if you're farther along on the marathon that is anti-racism, this book is too simplistic and you'll just end up skimming it. But I don't think people at that point are the intended audience.
• 
  Nathan Bartos

  A short book with short tips and reminders of what you can do in every facet of your life to be actively anti-racist. I'd say this is a sort of primer (as it mentions in the subtitle, it is an introduction), but I don't think that means it isn't for someone who has already been in on the fight for a while.
• 
  Glenda Nelms

  This book should be required reading for everyone. It's the start to becoming an ally in anti-racism. Sophie Williams offers tips in calling out racism in communities. We must educating ourselves on Antiracism and holding people accountable. Black lives still matter!
• 
  rein [[...thats my ride or die]]

  This is a very important book I think everyone should read
  RTC
• 
  Momo Chavez

  A straightforward and engaging introduction to the #BlackLivesMatter movement, discussing maintaining and propelling momentum during the aftermath of 2020’s protests. The section “What Does Racism Look Like Now?” was an informative and direct call to action, covering issues such as: tone policing, red lining, and racial occupational segregation.
  
  Big thank you to Simon & Schuster Australia for sending me a copy.
• 
  Sophie Boyes

  Useful tool to refer back to when encountering an ‘I’m not racist I treat everyone the same!!’ Family member/ colleague/ friend. Deffo purchase, she’s done the work for us.
• 
  hea booktubes

  Beginner, bite sized pieces of information. This is a novella, and worth the read if you want someplace to start or a quick refresher.
• 
  Katie Rankine

  Brilliant introduction on how to start your allyship!
• 
  Denise Newton

  
  https://denisenewtonwrites.com/?p=2302
  
  Anti Racist Ally is a little book big on information, suggestions and inspiration for everyone to help build a better world.
  
  
  Anti-Racist Ally: An Introduction to Activism and Action
  
  Sophie Williams
• 
  Fiona

  Pocket sized and full of punch this book is now the answer to the question people ask me: What should I do to help?
  
  With NAIDOC week happening this week in Australia it seems weird to be focusing on an international text, but I think the content is easily extrapolated to an Aussie context. Additionally, the US election is not the mandate on anti-racism action that we might’ve hoped. 70 million people still voted for Trump.
  
  Having worked in community development for a number of years, people often come to me with this question of ally-ship. A question that I will forever be unqualified to answer as I am a white woman and cultural awareness is a not a sum answers game. Another thing that might happen is that you ask your friends who are BIPOC to answer it and that relies on (potentially) their lived experience of trauma and makes it their job to be your personal google. Don’t do it. Instead, read this book.
  
  This is what I would describe as an excellent toilet book. This is a compliment! What I mean is that the loo is often a place where people read freely without fear of interruption or questions about the book. It’s a place for thinking and reflection. This book is small in page and size and doesn’t require a narrative flow - perfect to pick up for 5 mins and flick through. It doesn’t look like a textbook and so it has a greater hope of reaching people who don’t want to read anything “that might feel like homework”. Yes, people have said this to me when I’ve suggested anti-racism texts to them! This book is the answer to that statement!
  
  You can open it at any page and gain some wisdom. It defines what racism looks like now (a contemporary voice is necessary!) and supplies direct clear action, advice, education and instruction. It’s really incredible that it covers such ground with such clear formatting - Williams has really honed each page down. You can feel the care in each word. Plus the further reading list at the end is excellent!
  
  So buy it. Read it. Chuck next to your loo. Buy a few and give them out as Secret Santa gifts (At less than $20 it’s a great stocking stuffer!). It’s literally the least you could do as an ally.
• 
  Genevieve Trono

  Wow! While this book is small, it sure is mighty and could not be coming out at a better time. Like many white women, I was disappointed in myself that it took something like the tragedies of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd to fully understand that racism is still very much alive in our country.
  
  As Anti-Racist Ally author Sophie Williams states. "Modern-day racism is less black face and racial slurs and more insidious, coded and systemic discrimination." This means it isn't always as easy to see when you aren't "living it." This is a reality that so many people do not have and I wanted to do better.
  
  The Black Lives Matter movement was not sharing anything new, and as a white person, it was a privilege to choose when I thought about racism and when I could turn it off. This is something that needed to change and was a pivotal moment for myself and many others. I learned that I needed to be a better ally and actively be anti-racist. I recognize that while we may not ever truly understand, I can continue to listen, learn, support, and stand up for others, starting with understanding the language of change.
  
  Anti-Racist Ally is like the "Cliffs Notes" version of how we can be anti-racist, in our own homes, in our communities, and our society. The writing is clear and approachable, and author Sophie William's educates us while also promoting how to take actionable steps that will make a difference.
  
  This book is the perfect starting point in the journey of becoming a better ally. Every clear and concise chapter while also packing a punch. There were so many quotable moments I could hardly keep track and I know this is one I will go back to again and again. I already pre-ordered a hard copy, and you should too!
  
  Thank you to Amistad for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. You can read this and other book reviews on my website, genthebookworm.com
• 
  Elizabeth Giordano

  I was provided an early release copy of Anti-Racist Ally by Sophie Williams through NetGalley and Amistad (HarperCollins Publishing). Williams, a black woman, created this small, digestible guide to anti-racist allyship. It is a great book that clearly outlines and describes the different facets of anti-racism and allyship. I have read many other books on racism, anti-racism, and being black in the United States, that discuss history and the lived experiences of the writer. What I enjoyed most about this book is how short it is as well as how great of an introductory read the book is for many people. The author created a short less than 200-page guide to becoming an anti-racist ally. The book ends with a further reading guide, a list of books that are great to read next.
  
  I appreciate this book, how short and easy to read it is, and I know I will continue to re-visit this work in the future. I find that it is beneficial, because so many people just do not know where to start with this movement. The author lets the reader know that this is not the end, that you do not just do some of the work and pass it on for someone else to pick up after. This work is ongoing, never ending. Remember white privilege allows me and others that look like me to forget about this oppression and racism because it does not affect us like marginalized people.
• 
  Briayna Cuffie

  *Disclaimer: I received this eARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for fair review.*
  
  I do racial equity work/education and been following @officialmillennialblack on instagram for a while now, so when I saw she was writing a book I HAD to have it; I love the space she holds for those that are learning, and since I’m in the U.S. her perspective and experience is a smidge different.
  
  Concise and straightforward, this is a perfect primer for people who want and need explicit instructions as they maneuver trying to be less fragile (and more anti racist). It’s basically an FAQ — and best read in digital form, given the inclusion of hyperlinks. She covers a breadth of topics, and gets to the point of what people’s mindsets should be as they do this work. There are a LITANY of people to whom I’ll be recommending this book. I’d put it right up there with “So You Want to Talk About Race” by Ijeoma Oluo.
• 
  Kathie

  Clear and concise. This little introductory book is an excellent educational tool about the anti-racist movement and allyship. It's the perfect place to start for adults/teens who might feel slightly overwhelmed either by the breadth or the length of book options out there or for those who don't typically enjoy non-fiction books; there's no biographical information to wade through first.
  Even allies who think they already know a lot about anti-racism could likely still learn something from this book, such as Williams opposition to terms like BIPOC, BAME, or POC. Highly recommend. Buying copies to share with friends and fam.
• 
  Genevieve Trono

  Wow! While this book is small, it sure is mighty and could not be coming out at a better time. Like many white women, I was disappointed in myself that it took something like the tragedies of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd to fully understand that racism is still very much alive in our country.
  
  As Anti-Racist Ally author Sophie Williams states. "Modern-day racism is less black face and racial slurs and more insidious, coded and systemic discrimination." This means it isn't always as easy to see when you aren't "living it." This is a reality that so many people do not have and I wanted to do better.
  
  The Black Lives Matter movement was not sharing anything new, and as a white person, it was a privilege to choose when I thought about racism and when I could turn it off. This is something that needed to change and was a pivotal moment for myself and many others. I learned that I needed to be a better ally and actively be anti-racist. I recognize that while we may not ever truly understand, I can continue to listen, learn, support, and stand up for others, starting with understanding the language of change.
  
  Anti-Racist Ally is like the "Cliffs Notes" version of how we can be anti-racist, in our own homes, in our communities, and our society. The writing is clear and approachable, and author Sophie William's educates us while also promoting how to take actionable steps that will make a difference.
  
  This book is the perfect starting point in the journey of becoming a better ally. Every clear and concise chapter while also packing a punch. There were so many quotable moments I could hardly keep track and I know this is one I will go back to again and again. I already pre-ordered a hard copy, and you should too!
  
  Thank you to Amistad for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. You can read this and other book reviews on my website, genthebookworm.com
• 
  Jess (PassportsandPaperbacks)

  For such a little book, Anti-Racist Ally covers a huge amount of topics in an impactful and informative way.
  This is a fantastic place to start learning and practicing Anti-Racism from, but it also lists a large number of resources at the end to further your education after you’re done.
  This book should be compulsory reading - it explains complex issues succinctly but with enough explanation to gain a basic understanding to jump off from.
  
• 
  Cecilia

  Easy to read, useful, with real actions people can take, all at different levels of power, ability, and discomfort.
  
  This would be useful to help people or groups who want to have real impact on eradicating systemic racism, and to keep track for themselves of what actions they’ve taken, and what they still want to take (or potentially divide actions among group members).