White Lives Matter Most

Overview

Blending theory and practice, this volume brings together Black, Latinx, and Asian voices in an urgent call to action for white readers and those seeking measurable change

Modern-day movements to end racism in the U.S. seem sadly doomed to fail. If a more sober analysis of U.S. history is not considered, our efforts will lead to continued fragmentation—or worse. The essays in this book reveal the successful strategies and methods of multigenerational coalitions used in recent campaigns to free Puerto Rican and Black Panther political prisoners, confront neo-Nazis in Charlottesville, and many more. Meyer's reflections on the need for intensified solidarity, consciousness, and accountability among white folks provide a provocative and urgent challenge. These essays—some coauthored by Black Lives Matter and Ferguson Truth Telling leaders Natalie Jeffers and David Ragland, Puerto Rican professor Ana López, Muslim interfaith activist Sahar Alsahlani, and Afro-Asian cultural icon Fred Ho—offer up-to-the-minute insights.

Reviews

"He outlines threats to meaningful dismantling of racially oppressive systems and international solidarity, from the oppression of indigenous peoples to bipartisan political support for war, which he argues not only diverts resources from helping the marginalized but also foments xenophobia. Meyer calls for whites to engage in 'extreme solidarity,' learning more deeply than is typical about the roles and teachings of oppressed people in the struggle for racial justice, leaving the ivory tower to join that struggle, and ensuring the struggle is not inappropriately dominated by white people." —Publishers Weekly

Author Biography

Matt Meyer is the International Peace Research Association representative at the United Nations, the national co-chair of the Fellowship of Reconciliation, and the War Resisters' International Africa Support Network Coordinator. Sonia Sanchez is a poet, mother, professor, and lecturer on Black culture and literature, women's liberation, peace, and racial justice.