In the past, I haven't reviewed books that I haven't read. But, I have changed my mind. Firstly, I think that the fact that I couldn't finish a book is a valid criticism, and this is where we give feedback to the publisher. Secondly, I need to get my score up. I will not post this anywhere else but here. My rating will be based on what other people would think about this work.

I got about 30% into the book. I find speeches difficult to read. They are made to be heard. However, I think that this is an important work that would be a great audiobook

I have never heard of this woman until I saw this book and requested it. The book gave details about not only her personal life, but her professional one as well, and some of the barriers she was faced with. This piece of work is great for anyone who is an extreme history buff, and especially those that are interested in history featuring African Americans. Not only was it inspiring to read about her personal life, her speeches were also included as well, which made the book that more interesting.

Nina Banks (ed.), Democracy, Race, and Justice The Speeches and Writings of Sadie T.M. Alexander, Yale University, 2021.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.

What an opportune time for a collection of papers such as these to be published. The speeches and writing reach so much into the past that it seems beyond belief that in 2021 Congress is having to consider voting rights as a right as well as an antidote to the various state legislators’ introduction of laws which limit the voting rights of black and brown Americans. This collection, adroitly introduced by Nina Banks, would be a worthy read at any time, I am pleased to be able to review the book at such an important time in American political life.

The earliest of the collection was written in the 1920s, and the latest is Sadie T.M. Alexander’s response at a lunch honouring her in 1968. The collection is divided into four parts: Racial Ideology and Black Achievements; Black Women in the Political Economy; Black Workers and Economic Justice; and Democracy and Citizenship Rights. Banks has written a detailed preface, a short biography describing Alexander’s background, linking the obstacles she faced and the way in which African Americans in general had to deal with the lack of historical recognition of their achievements. She introduces each section with thoughtful commentary on the background to the ideas expressed in the papers, Alexander’s experience that gave her speeches authenticity and describes the way in which her work challenged racist views and behaviour at the time.

The speeches and writings are of their time, and nothing identifies this as much as the language Alexander uses. This is instructive, and contrasts with the current language used in the linking material written by Nina Banks, beautifully identifying some of the changes that have occurred. That the language has changed, however, is one thing. That the circumstances for Black Americans have not is another. So, while I found myself wanting to challenge language that referred to the general population as though it was male, the arguments on behalf of Black Americans are as strong as those made through more acceptable contemporary language. The recognition of women’s special situations is ably met through dedicated papers and speeches.

The index is incredibly detailed, reflecting the multitude of sources. Likewise, there is an impressive bibliography. Citations and explanations provide an intellectual strength to Banks’ introductions so that Alexander’s papers and speeches are established in their context. Together, the immediacy of Sadie T.M. Alexander’s words and Nina Banks’ insightful commentary make this a valuable contribution to current debate on democracy and voting rights in America.

I thought that this was a great read. It was informative and informative. I would recommend this to friends. Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Dear publisher,

Please find my review below, You can also find it on my Instagram (where I have tagged you), Goodreads and my blog.

Feel free to send books my way, I am over the moon with this one.

*****

If you are appalled by the tenacity with which black lives are exploited, ignored and wiped out, let me introduce you to the early 20th century mayhem that was unjust and even life threatening for the black American community. The writings of Sadie T. M. Alexander are haunting and inspiring in equal measure. Haunting because they call an ace - an ace, they show us the world through the perspective of the oppressed and at other times they show us the mirror. Sadie's own life story is beyond inspiring, she did her doctorate in economics only to be denied the position of an economist. She was dejected yet she moved on, completed a degree in law, cleared the bar and became a relentless advocate of African American citizens across the span of the USA.

The speeches, even the fragments have this tension weighing down every word - the woman didn't beat around the bush, she was playing to kill. The book begins with a short biographical account which has proven to be essential in understanding where Alexander is coming from. Surprising as it is, her husband was extremely supportive of his wife's activism and career, something refreshing.

The entire span of the book boiled my blood and I went to bed with a headache, I don't know if there is any other way of understanding or to be honest, trying to understand the plight of people who were stripped of their dignity and humanity on something as baseless as the colour of ones skin. Alexander holds people accountable unflinchingly and speaks quite plainly of the hypocrisy of progressive white women.

I think what this book most certainly does is create a conversation, Alexander demands honesty, by being brutally just that.

Rest in power queen.