November 6, 2023
Lawyer Gilliam shares in her unflinching debut “the unvarnished truths ‘your Black friend’ won’t say to your face.” In particular, she addresses the “Good White People and blue-state progressives” who ostensibly support anti-racism but uphold the status quo in subtler ways, whether by trotting out a “race résumé” to prove their allyship (“I voted for Obama!”) or “kumbayaing for reconciliation.” Both actions can invalidate the feelings of people of color and distract from the difficult, real-life work of anti-racism, according to Gilliam. Instead, readers should “stop asking POCs to explain racism—educate yourself”; prioritize marginalized people’s feelings when discussing race; and steer clear of such culturally appropriative behavior as “blackfishing,” or altering one’s appearance with makeup, tanners, or photo filters to seem “more Black.” Eventually, readers can become “racism disruptors” by taking action (intervening when one sees “microaggressive behavior”; supporting affirmative action) on behalf of marginalized communities. Gilliam’s tone is refreshingly frank throughout, and her advice is generous and detailed, whether she’s unpacking the latent racism in everyday interactions (for example, the use of coded language and phrases, including discussion of “Black-on-Black crime” and “good” versus “bad” neighborhoods) or racial inequities woven through social systems (including voter restrictions and school zoning). Those looking to move beyond performative allyship will find this an excellent resource.