Listening + Learning

Are prisons obsolete?

by angela Y. Davis | recommended by morgan meyer, summer ‘21 intern

In Are Prisons Obsolete?, Dr. Angela Y. Davis breaks down the compelling argument that prisons do more harm than good, especially in the context of neoliberal capitalism and increasing privatization. Though some of the numbers are outdated due to the fact that this was written in the 90s, this novel is essential to read for anyone interested in changing the frameworks of our carceral justice system in America, and truly helped me on my journey as a student and activist.

- Morgan Meyer

freedom is a constant struggle

By angela Y. davis | Recommended by morgan meyer, summer ‘21 Intern

In Freedom Is a Constant Struggle, author, academic, and activist Dr. Angela Y. Davis discusses the importance of a global perspective and resistance to the harmful structures of global capitalism. This novel consists of a compilation of essays, speeches, and presentations given by Davis during the 2010s, and truly opened my eyes to the importance of intersectionality and the potential for solidarity in a progressive movement. She also delves into the case of Assata Shakur, a prominent Black Panther and activist whose story is eye-opening to the importance of education on our true history and constant, critical resistance.

- Morgan Meyer

The Road to Character

BY David Brooks | RECOMMENDED BY Jordan summers, ‘22 INTERN

David Brooks is a New York Times columnist who has lured readers with his wit and humor for years. This book changed me, and I can’t say that about many novels. It forced me to look at my decisions and what really motivates them. In the beginning of the book, Brooks talks about what we think is success, which he coins as “resume virtues”. These are our external indicators of success, such as wealth, fame, status, and big victories. He compares this idea of success to what he calls “eulogy virtues'' – the things people remember when we are gone, like how you handled things, or how you made them feel. Common among the eulogy virtues is faith, kindness, bravery, grit, authenticity, intentionality, etc. Brooks uses these as a common thread in his novel, where he goes on to talk about some of the world's most inspiring thinkers and leaders, digging deep into what made their lives so impactful, and it often wasn’t what was on their resume.

-  Jordan Summers

PEDAGOGY OF THE OPPRESSED

BY PAULO FRIER | RECOMMENDED BY EVELIN ALVARADO, fall ‘21 INTERN

This was a foundational, life-changing read for me and has become a text that I come back to and that I recommend everyone read. In it, Freire lays out the discipline of critical pedagogy which aims to engage oppressed peoples in critical consciousness. This means that people in turn can recognize our personhood and truly engage in our liberation. Through this process we realize how dominant educational practices reinforce systems of oppression, and only then can we avoid reciprocating the same harm onto others.

-  Evelin Alvarado

know my name

By chanel miller | Recommended by Elena Swirczek, summer ‘21 Intern

As a young queer woman, I have been taught since an early age how to “avoid becoming the victim” as if we do all the “right things” then those of us most likely to experience sexual violence can somehow prevent it ourselves. This powerful book gives an in-depth look at how systems, not just individuals, fail survivors and protect those who commit violence against others. Brock Turner was not the only enemy. Chanel Miller was failed by the courts, Stanford University, Turner’s family, and the public. We also see from her the toll that the court system took on her life. In discussing her mental health and the struggles she faced so openly, she further challenges the centering of Turner’s so-called “potential” at the cost of her own. She also discusses her experience as a Chinese American and the role that racism and fetishization play in perpetuating violence. This is an especially important topic at the moment due to rising rates of violence inflicted on AAPI communities. I recommend this book because it emphasizes the systemic nature of sexual violence and centered the experiences of survivors which forced me to reckon with the ways that I think about sexual violence and sexual violence prevention.

- Elena Swirczek

how to be an antiracist

By ibram X. Kendi | Recommended by Delanie Seals, summer ‘21 Intern

Ibram X. Kendi perfectly captures the ongoing and undeniable racial disparities in the African American community. The way Ibram Kendi is able to articulate what seems like complex perspectives on racism in America by showing the repetitious historical phenomena is amazing. I feel like my understanding of racism in different forms is greater than ever. An intersectional lens is presented to show the double consciousness of an African American. Kendi presents definitions of phenomena to establish a clear understanding, which I really appreciate. I related strongly to the ongoing journey of shedding the white-washed ideals of what I should be and embraced the Blackness that is me. It inspired me to look beyond what is “normalized” and truly understand the complexities of racist policies and norms of society. Modern-day racism or this strange post-segregation era has all of the sad and horrible lingering effects of racism, but not the education and government assistance to call it out and deal with it. Overall, this book has motivated me to insert myself in political scenes where my voice has historically and purposefully been excluded.

- Delanie Seals

invisible women

By caroline Criado Perez | Recommended by mareyba fawad, summer ‘21 Intern

This is an absolutely mind-boggling book that merged for me– intersectional feminism, evidence-based data, and exposes systemic biases that women are sold as the ‘norm’. I recall when I first heard about this book from a professor, I knew I had to get my hands on it right away! This book did not disappoint, it starts all the way at the beginning of history and exposes the patriarchal structures that have become so ingrained that we don’t even think twice about. From healthcare, policy, education, to technology the default is simply male. This book is very easy to follow and really feels like the author is speaking to you the entire way through. Despite being filled with constant supporting statistics and citations for all claims made. I would highly recommend that not only fellow women read the book, but also men, and non-binary individuals. With increased awareness through data driven writing, that is how we can create systems and spaces where men are not the default setting and others are just the exception to the rule. This is one of those books that will give you another lens to critically analyze everyday things around you!

- Mareyba Fawad

AS LONG AS GRASS GROWS

BY DINA GILIO-WHITAKER | RECOMMENDED BY EVELIN ALVARADO, fall ‘21 INTERN

Necessary and comprehensive read on the intersections between environmental justice, decolonization, and indigenous rights. I loved this one and recommend it for how extensive and well-researched it is. I think it is absolutely imperative that we move away from the environmental justice “movement” driven by individualism and capitalism toward one rooted in indigenous knowledge.

- Evelin Alvarado

AMAZONS, ABOLITIONISTS, AND ACTIVISTS

WRITTEN BY MIKKI KENDALL / ART BY A. D’AMICO | RECOMMENDED BY MANAAL SHAIKH, fall ‘21 INTERN

This graphic novel-style primer was incredibly educational and fascinating. The beautiful art pulls readers in with the detailed backgrounds and characters that truly represent the time period and culture of the chapter. I was mesmerized by the story and art that effectively narrated the historical progression of women’s rights from a global and inclusive perspective. I learned about how Muslim women in Morroco were founding libraries and mosques in 859 CE and stepping into the vital role of educators and leaders. This novel reminded me of my love for history, allowed me to feel represented as a POC Muslim woman, and taught me about trailblazing women from various cultures in a visually compelling manner. I wish I had this novel growing up, but nevertheless, I am ecstatic to be exposed to it now. 

- Manaal Shaikh

gods of jade and shadow

By Silvia Moreno-Garcia | Recommended by Lauren Lyness, finance lead

Fiction is an incredibly powerful medium that allows folks to engage intimately with perspectives and experiences different from their own. This book provides a beautiful exploration of Mexican and Mayan cultures while also examining how class, race, religion, and gender roles contribute to how one experiences the world. Moreover, the author weaves the historical context of the Jazz Age in Mexico into the story flawlessly. A great read for learning more about Mayan folklore and the history of indigenous peoples in Mexico.

- Lauren Lyness

THE MURDERBOT DIARIES SERIES

BY MARTHA WELLS | RECOMMENDED BY ANDY MANGANO, Fall ‘21 INTERN

A science-fiction series about an artificial construct that manages to develop independence as it searches for the meaning of its personhood and life. Anti-capitalist sentiment, queer, and fun. This series made me cry multiple times, and I just instantly connected with it. Immediately re-read it as soon as I finished. I just love the idea of robots and androids and I usually hate how they are depicted in mainstream media because to me robots represent a class of people that is not considered people. Imagine creating intelligence and deciding since it’s different than yours it doesn't count. Or imagine having a whole class of sentient beings used exclusively as slaves. Or we really don’t have to imagine that, do we? Also, robot stories can bring up the very interesting question of nature vs nurture, what makes a person a person, and the meaning of life. And they are cool because I said so. 🤖

- Andy Mangano