I’m glad I read this one! The points were very well thought out and you could tell the author put a lot of research hours into it. In the beginning I was really getting a lot from each chapter, but as the book progressed I felt like the structure and organization of the book kind of fell away. It was a little all over the place, but again, the overarching theme was still in tact. Overall, if you are interested in social science themes, you should try this one out!

Okay, this one was a gem to be able to experience. I am so thankful to Brandi Collins-Dexter and NetGalley for granting me audiobook access to this widely important work of art. With the recent racial tensions of 2020 and beyond popping off, it's even more important now that we recognize the weight of our actions and shut down hate at every corner.

A great story and important for everyone to read! I hope this book receives the recognition it deserves

Going into Black Skinhead: Reflections on Blackness and Our Political Future, I already knew there was such a thing as Black Republicans. I knew that there are limitations to the Democratic party and racism runs rampant among many white liberals.

What I didn’t know was how much diversity there really was among Black political ideology (and how little it has actually been studied until this book). From populism to capitalism, there is a myriad of Black political ideology no one talks about, or at least connects to Black politics. Because the Democratic party is seen as the only solution to Black political freedom.

When I think of a skinhead, I definitely don’t think about Kanye West (although with his current backlash in the media, I now make the associations more and more). Skinhead to me automatically has racist connotations, but according to Collins-Dexter, a Black skinhead is (among other definitions) “a disillusioned political outlier who is underrepresented in mainstream media discourse”.

Kanye West comes up frequently throughout the book. He is definitely the most prominent Black skinhead in mainstream media, although we like to contribute it to stupidity, mental health struggles, artistry, or whatever other argument people use to fit the thing he said on Twitter that week. Regardless of the insensitive or untrue things he might say, his beliefs are grounded in his politics which have been shaped by his experiences as a Black man in America.

As Black Skinhead points out, Black people are not a monolith, and therefore their political ideology is going to be all over the place. Collins-Dexter uses her varied interactions with Black people from all over the political spectrum to uncover and shine light on the Black experiences that get dominated by political stereotypes (think about all the Black people who consider Bill Clinton as the first Black president).

The connections that Collins-Dexter made to everyday pop culture things to politics, and how that has shaped Black political thought and vice versa. I also liked how she compared politics to her own life and the life of her father. Because so much our lives as Black people have been politicized.

I really enjoyed this book. It opened my eyes to a lot of things. It provided a level of humanity that is often missing in our highly polarized political landscape. Black Skinhead helped color in the shades of gray in a very Black and White experience.

This was such a powerful read! I was lucky enough to get an ALC of this book and it was brilliant. There was so much I learned from reading this and enjoyed the points made about pop culture; films like Black Panther, and the reality of voting hardships. I think this book should be included in everyone’s library!

This was an absolutely fascinating read. The author did a phenomenal job of laying out many social issues at one time and tying them together to show the problem of a political party which takes an entire demographic for granted without paying out, I recommend this read for everyone,

Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the copy of this ALC.

“This is the thing about how our narratives are often taken from us and reinterpreted. We are stripped of our voices even when telling the stories of our own lives, families, and histories. We’re told we’ve never had anything, which plays into public pathologies of Black people as having not done enough to improve our own station in life, when the reality is many of us were actively deprived of property ownership and economic opportunities. But even when your mind doesn’t know, your body does. Those memories of fear and struggle live in your body for generations.”

This collection of essays is so unique, focusing on politics from a Black perspective and interwoven with the author’s own personal coming of age story. With many pop culture references and explorations of the world around her, Brandi Collins-Dexter explores the relationship between Black voters and the Democratic Party, and what the political future of Black voters looks like. This wasn’t totally what I expected, but I really appreciate how Brandi wrote this book to read well. Her story makes for a vibrant read while also addressing a difficult perspective that many (myself included) need to hear.

Black Skinhead by Brandi Collins-Dexter is a deep dive into the history of Black politics and Black culture. I feel like I learned many new ideas and beliefs held by people of color across the generations. Additionally, I learned how these long-held beliefs have shifted in recent years as they pertain to the US two-party political system.

What I enjoyed most about this book is the author's authenticity. Brandi is not overly pedantic in her descriptions or her opinions. She ties historical events to our current world struggles and continued systemic racism almost effortlessly. I attempted to understand her on a deeper level, but became increasingly distracted by all of the Kanye West references.

That's my only peeve with this entire book - way too much Kanye for my taste. I believe that he is a stand-out musician but his personal and political beliefs differ from mine and it's hard to get on his level with his multi-millionaire status and the publicly observed mental health issues that have caused him to lash out at the public as well as other celebrities in recent past. It's hard to relate to someone like him, though he will more than likely be remembered for his dedication to his craft and his unbridled voice in the music industry and the world over. Still, I appreciated the author's effort to connect past long-held beliefs and demonstrate the 360 change we see in politics today, especially in the Black community. Moreover, what Collins-Dexter does to inform her readers is explains WHY the shift has occurred, putting aside her own views and political beliefs.

Aside from the constant discussion involving Ye, I really enjoyed Brandi's perspective and listening to this audiobook, read the way she intended it to be received.

I am rating this 4 out of 5 stars.

I am grateful to Netgalley and Celadon Books for the opportunity to listen to this advance audiobook version of Black Skinhead.

#BlackSkinheadBook #CeladonReads

🌟BLACK SKINHEAD: Reflections on Blackness and Our Political Future🌟 by Brandi Collins-Dexter ~published September 20, 2022

Thanks so much to @celadonbooks and @netgalley for the gifted advance review copy. All thoughts are my own.

I loved this series of essays on American politics, being black in America, the black voting block, and the ever-intriguing Kanye West.

As I have said before, I am a white woman reviewing a book about the black experience. I relate my feelings to you through a lens of whiteness, cognizant of the fact that I will never be able to experience this book, or the things in this book, in the same way that a member of the black community will experience them. Nevertheless, I hope that by adding my voice to the discussion, it will encourage others to continue to read diverse books about experiences different from their own.

There is an old expression that to “assume” makes an “ass” out of “u” and “me.” And that’s kind of what Collins-Dexter is saying here (albeit in a much more eloquent fashion). If the political establishment continues to assume that all black Americans will vote Democrat, it may end up feeling like an ass (given the donkey logo, it was bound to happen). She makes a great point and I (generally) think she’s right.

Speaking of asses, Collins-Dexter admirably tries to defend/reframe/add nuance to some of past presidential candidate Kanye West’s more ridiculous comments, and she sometimes succeeds! Note: I worship West’s musical ability, but when he speaks, he tends to insert his foot into his mouth at an alarming rate, saying things like slavery was a choice or interrupting Taylor Swift at the Grammys. Collins-Dexter seems to be particularly inspired by music, and the title of the book even comes from a Kanye West song.

Collin’s-Dexter shares a lot of personal feelings in this book, and those were my favorite parts. The essays on her emotions before a big speech, her feelings about how we can get away from the constant narrative of black trauma and suffering, thoughts on her own interracial marriage, and coming to terms with the death of her father were all powerful and poignant. I was surprised and disheartened when Collin’s-Dexter discussed feeling unsafe on Northwestern University’s campus at night due to her race. Northwestern is a private school located on the “north shore” of Chicago and not a place I associate with being racist, so it’s definitely food for thought for me.

Engaging and of the moment!

I’m a day late but not short on conversation following this insightful and explorational read. An examination of thinking from the mildly divergent to the radical takes place within the pages of this book as the author delves into why the Democratic Party isn’t everything black voters ever hoped for. Why has Kanye captured the political mind and why are MAGA hats where we’d least expect?

Though my interest started slow, the book caught me by the end as I examined my own preconceived notions. The book doesn’t set out to change minds or hearts but it does create important questions. Why do we assume that there is one vote for an entire race or community? The attitude is reductionist and recent outcomes have changed perspectives and processes in the political landscape. So much to consider as I examine my own views!

Highly recommend this read to grow discourse and tackle tough subjects!

Thank you @netgalley and @celadonbooks for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

✨ Pub Day Review ✨

Happy Pub Day @brandingbrandi 🎉

Black Skinhead
By Brandi Collins-Dexter
Pages: 304 Pages
Pub: Sept 20, 2022 - Out Today!

Audiobook:
11 hours 39 Mins
Narrated by the author

Black Skinhead: A political outlier that moves outside the mainstream lane of Black thought and perceived politics.

I had no idea what to expect going into this. Before reading the synopsis, I thought perhaps it was another book like Candace Owens' Blackout. 😬 Thankfully I was VERY wrong!

Black Skinhead is written as a series of essays, and is both fascinating and educational. Told in a conversational tone, as if you're having a chat with a friend, Brandi Collins-Dexter (a self-described progressive independent), breaks down the disillusionment of Black voters, and why so many are seeking alternatives to the status quo.

To drive her message home, Collins-Dexter uses a combination of extensive research and analysis, personal experience and anecdotes, interviews, Black pop culture references (music, celebrities, fashion, etc), and her own insight and knowledge of Black American politics and culture.

Black Skinhead is a well-written, thorough, thoughtful, and enlightening read. I definitely recommend for anyone who enjoys learning and expanding their mind.

P.S. This is the book you should have read when you read Blackout by Candace Owens.👌

Thank you Celadon books, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for my gifted copies in exchange for my honest review.

Black Skinhead by Brandi Collins-Dexter is, without a doubt, a book that will grab your attention from the first time you hear it. I was very fortunate to get approved for a physical ARC with Celadon books. When I found out there was an audiobooks narrated by the author I also requested it and was approved quickly.

The book takes a hard look at black culture, it's history and place within the United States and the fragile relationship between black voters and the Democratic Party. The author lays out a strong foundation and gives examples of how black voters are assumed to vote for the Democrats and, in turn, the party just expects to receive the votes even if they aren't working in the best interests of the black community.

Another area where I felt the author did a phenomenal job was laying out examples of how black people are viewed through the scope of music and media. She gave an example of an interview done with a 4-year-old little boy who proclaimed he didn't fear anything and would one day own a gun when he grew up. What the news clip failed to show was that when the reporter asked if he'd get a gun he said yes because he was going to be a cop. Taken out of context, a news station chose to vilify and stereotype a young black boy instead of showcasing his love of law enforcement. The author asks the question, how much of what people think they know about black culture has been edited and spliced together to make people feel a certain way. The author also uses music, specifically rap music, to bolster the same point. We think nothing of the country singers who claim to sleep around, get drunk and go out trucking but let a rapper claim to shoot a gun and get high and the same information is taken as gospel.

As a white woman, I understand that I will never fully understand what it means to be black in the United States, but it is books like Black Skinhead that help me expand my perspective and gain awareness on topics that I'm not as familiar with. Even the loudest of allies can still learn more and help more and Black Skinhead is the type of book that will stay with me for a long time.

Amazing job to the author and thank you again Celadon for trusting me to review this book.

☀️Book Review📘

It’s a clear and sunny day here, without a hint of fall in sight…or a cloud. Perfect day for a blue sky book review.

Thank you to @celadonbooks for my physical ARC of Black Skinhead. When I received this book out of the blue, I went ahead and requested the audio on @netgalley and was quickly approved. The audiobook is narrated by the author, which is always 👍👏🙌.

Hello, hello, hello…yet another book on black culture and identity, only with a deep dive into politics. This book was enlightening and while there was way more talk about Kanye West than I would’ve liked (I’m not a fan and this author appears to be a super fan), I appreciated the insights into the changes that are currently occurring within the black community.

The Republican Party, the party of Abraham Lincoln was the party for black people…until earlier this past century when there was a huge shift to the Democratic Party after The New Deal. We saw in the past two elections how there’s a big shift among black voters to drift back into the Republican Party…or just not vote.

I would not have picked up this book if it hadn’t been sent to me; it was totally off my radar. I’m glad that I did and highly recommend it for those individuals (of any color) who wish to stay relevant on such important matters regarding Black America that affect everyone.

First and foremost, thank you @celadonbooks and @netgalley for the #gifted audiobook!

In Black Skinhead, author Brandi Collins-Dexter takes a deep dive into America's current political system and structure and how that structure impacts the Black community. She discusses how the Democratic party has taken advantage of the Black community. She also interviewed several Black republicans. I think what I appreciated most about this book is the overall discussion of the entire political system in America and how this existing structure just doesn't work for many. I also was fascinated by the term "Black skinhead" and the author's in-depth description of what exactly that means.

Overall, I really appreciated the information shared in this book, and I learned SO much!

Black Skinhead by Brnadi Collins-Dexter is part breathtakingly powerful memoir and part timely and wisdom-filled political essays about the state of this country. A must read for everyone. Deeply personal and incredibly true.

This is one of those books that’ll stick with me for quite sometime. There were so many informative chapters that introduced me to new perspectives that I, as a white woman, will never fully comprehend. I know I’ll be reflecting on this information for a while, especially with midterms right around the corner.

After reading the synopsis, I was ready for a political book. But when I started, the first part is about Collins-Dexter’s dad, and ultimately, how this story came about. Her dad, Jimmy Collins, was a NCAA basketball star, NBA player, and long-time coach for University of Illinois at Chicago. He influenced this book so if anything, it felt like an ode to him with politics and history mixed in.

For the remainder of the book, the structure didn’t flow too well in my opinion. There were some memoir tidbits, followed up with interviews, historical context, and personal dialogue. It felt a bit all over the place and sort of repetitive in some chapters. Some information is needed multiple times for it to be digested, but at times I felt I was reading the same sentence over and over again.

But the content of the book was extremely eye-opening. From Kanye West, to how Black voters view themselves during elections, how Black voters are not all Democrats (nor should they be categorized that way), to sex workers, to MAGA supporters and so much more. It gave me so much to think about in a whole new perspective that I think everyone should be willing to try.

Given the information of this book and the topics that are covered, I know my review won’t do this justice. However, I will say it’s worth reading ahead of November.

Big thank you to Celadon books for the gifted copy! This is available September 20.

Content warnings: racism, death

Black Skinhead by Brandi Collins-Dexter is a fascinating look at Black people who feel left behind by the Democratic party, from Black Trump voters to those who find themselves to the left of the Democratic party, to those who feel that their loyal vote is being taken for granted.

I thought that Black Skinhead was at its best when it was delving in to interviews and synthesizing different points of view. Collins-Dexter is a warm and incisive interviewer, and she brings out the best in her subjects. It's the mark of a good book when a provocative title like this one ends up feeling very familiar and accurate, and that's thanks to Collins-Dexter's depth of reasoning and compelling argument for her topic. I learned a lot and really enjoyed my time with all of the people interviewed and described in this book, even when I passionately disagreed with their politics.

However, I thought that the choice to include so much of Collins-Dexter's own biography ultimately weakened the book. As a framing device, situating Collins-Dexter within the investigation did provide context on her perspective and showed how vital the issue is. That said, the proportions felt just a bit off to me -- it's not that Collins-Dexter's experiences are uninteresting, it's only that in a book about Black Skinheads, I wanted more depth and breadth on all the people on whom Collins-Dexter bestows this title.

In the end, I highly recommend Black Skinhead.

Thank you to Celadon and NetGalley for providing me with a free review copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I'll always push back on the idea that both political parties in the U.S. are the "same bad," this is not possible by any measure rooted in reality, but I'll just as readily agree that both parties are some of the same bad. While *I* don't see Black voters as a monolith the Democratic party often appears to.

In Black Skinhead author Brandi Collins-Dexter, Black voter, registered Democrat, but more self-identified as a progressive Independent, explores through a series of interesting essays Black American political identity outside the margins of the Democratic party.

With a title the equivalent of clickbait, Collins-Dexter defines "Black Skinhead" as a, "political outlier that moves outside of the mainstream lane of Black thought and perceived politics." This is rooted in the original Skinhead movement, which is less neo-Nazi, more alternative subculture. From the Black Panthers, to sex workers, the Obama White House, modern Black Republicans, to Kanye, the essays in Black Skinhead explore why some Black Americans may be seeking an alternative to the systems and institutions that have left them ignored and disillusioned.

This is an in depth look at American politics from the perspective of a black female who is trying to figure out how she and other black women fit into them. She's also trying to figure out how she can enact true change in the system. It was obviously well researched and the audiobook narration was great. This book helped me to look at our political system from a different perspective. It's important to be able to listen and be a good ally and this book gave me a lot to think about and a lot of information to process. It was a good listen.

I was expecting much more content on Black voters and how this community experienced the election process. I did not expect as much commentary on Black culture and, specifically, Kanye. I clearly did not read the subtitle of this book, so that’s on me. I appreciated the author’s insights about how Candace Owens and Kanye could support a candidate like Trump, media news bias, sex workers, and a little history of the Pullman porter (I am definitely going to search our more info on that topic). Through her essays the author illustrated how the Black voter has become disillusioned with the Democratic party and has shown how this disillusionment has pushed some more the right.