Ben Waber reviewed We Refuse by Kellie Carter Jackson
A Powerful Examination of Black Resistance
5 stars
This book is an extremely powerful examination of the history of forceful Black resistance across the Americas over the centuries. The introduction is extremely provocative in a good way, and while it implies that the rest of the book will go farther than it actually does in affirming physically violent resistance, it nonetheless sets the table for what is a convincing analysis of how different forms of refusal and violence brought more change than other approaches. I have some minor quibbles (e.g. Haiti's post-revolution experience is viewed through rose-colored glasses), but especially in our current moment this is a vital book. Highly recommend
This book is an extremely powerful examination of the history of forceful Black resistance across the Americas over the centuries. The introduction is extremely provocative in a good way, and while it implies that the rest of the book will go farther than it actually does in affirming physically violent resistance, it nonetheless sets the table for what is a convincing analysis of how different forms of refusal and violence brought more change than other approaches. I have some minor quibbles (e.g. Haiti's post-revolution experience is viewed through rose-colored glasses), but especially in our current moment this is a vital book. Highly recommend