We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance
by Kellie Carter Jackson
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A radical reframing of the past and present of Black resistance—both nonviolent and violent—to white supremacy. Black resistance to white supremacy is often reduced to a simple binary, between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s nonviolence and Malcolm X’s “by any means necessary.” In We Refuse, historian Kellie Carter Jackson urges us to move past this false choice, offering an unflinching examination of the breadth of Black responses to white oppression, particularly those pioneered by Black women. The dismissal of “Black violence” as an illegitimate form of resistance is itself a manifestation of white supremacy, a distraction from the insidious, unrelenting violence of structural racism.... Readers who appreciate well-developed storytelling often find this book particularly satisfying. Its emphasis on character growth and meaningful interactions adds layers of complexity that enrich the narrative. These elements work together to create a story that feels complete and thoughtfully realized. The book’s tone remains steady, creating a sense of continuity that supports immersion. Readers can settle into the narrative without adjusting to sudden stylistic changes. This consistency enhances comfort and engagement.
