Charlene Carruthers

Author Carruthers questions why should a person have to apologize for the color of their skin, what social class they belong to, or their sexual orientation. She presents three commitments to change; building strong leaders, adopting a healing justice as a core organizing value and practice, and combating liberalism with a principled struggle. What is nice about the book is the sections on five questions and the Chicago model for identifying opportunities for activism. While the primary focus is Black relevance and engagement, the material provides a path for any disenfranchised group. Notes and an index are provided.… (más)

Unapologetic by Charlene A Carruthers is a book that serves several distinct purposes, not all of them intentional. A valuable read for anyone concerned with creating an equitable world for everyone.

Perhaps first and foremost this is a manual for activists. While Carruthers' uses a black, queer, and feminist lens the particulars of how a successful and effective activist organization functions is valid for many other types of organizations. That said, the distinct perspective she brings will, ideally, influence not just the functioning but also the values of diverse organizations.

This is also a wonderful memoir-type of read, though that is not its main purpose. Carruthers is an intelligent and dynamic person who readily admits errors and missteps. She knows by doing so both she and those around her will be better. By doing so in this book, she broadens the number of people "around her" and thus helps all of us to be better.

Any questions I had while reading were ones based on my ignorance of certain ideas. They were not intended to be covered in this book so it certainly doesn't count against it. In fact, it is a positive about the book that it generated substantive questions in my mind that I can now know to go find answers for. Any book that generates questions AND the desire to find the answers is a powerful addition to my life.

I would definitely recommend this to both activists and those wondering whether to be (or how to be) activists. The lessons included not only pertain to organizational and group dynamics but will also serve to enrich your personal life as well.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via LibraryThing.… (más)