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Cover of NOBODY CAN GIVE YOU FREEDOM
4.30

Based on 10 Goodreads ratings

NOBODY CAN GIVE YOU FREEDOM

by virtue of, among other things, his rejection of some of the Nation of Islam’s more extreme tenets, including its unbending view that white people were incapable of redemption, while he “did leave open the possibility of White people being involved in the struggle.” Andrews paints with a broad brush in condemning the authors of the myths surrounding Malcolm, among whom he names Black intellectuals and writers, including Spike Lee, Manning Marable, Cornel West, and Alex Haley. Similarly, he scorns the Civil Rights Movement as led by Martin Luther King Jr. and Bayard Rustin, holding that revolutionary struggle for liberation alone could achieve equality: “Malcolm didn’t believe we should rely on White people (e.g., affirmative action) because the Western system was incapable of providing justice for Black people.” Andrews’ disdain for the civil rights approach extends to such efforts as the New York Times’ 1619 Project, calling lead editor Nikole Hannah\u002DJones “a witness, and so we should not embrace the solutions she has offered, especially when they involve draping yourself in the American flag—as though this could ever offer some kind of protection.” Andrews’ ad hominem observations make this a slog. He can also be repetitious, hitting several times, for instance, on Malcolm’s views of race less as biological fact than as a political construct. (As Malcolm said, “White is an attitude….”) This diminishes the author’s project of identifying the enduring lessons of Malcolm X’s legacy and how to put them into action."

Book Details

Publisher:Of
Published:2024-01-01
Pages:368
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9781645030

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This powerful manifesto delivers an urgent call to action for young activists, exploring the complex realities of social justice and personal liberation in a world that often promises easy solutions....

Our Review

This powerful manifesto delivers an urgent call to action for young activists, exploring the complex realities of social justice and personal liberation in a world that often promises easy solutions. Through compelling narrative and unflinching honesty, the book dismantles the notion that freedom can be granted, arguing instead that it must be claimed through courage, critical thought, and collective struggle. It speaks directly to the fire of a new generation, validating their desire for change while preparing them for the difficult work required to achieve it. This is not a passive read but a conversation starter, challenging readers to examine their own role in building a more equitable world.

What sets this work apart is its refusal to offer platitudes or simplistic answers, instead providing a framework for understanding systemic issues and the tools for individual and community empowerment. Teen readers grappling with their place in social movements will find both validation and a sobering dose of reality, making it an essential text for any young person ready to move beyond hashtag activism. The author's resonant voice and accessible approach ensure that these heavy topics feel not just manageable, but vital. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t just sit on a shelf but sparks a shift in perspective, leaving a lasting imprint on how one views their own agency and responsibility.

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