Nikole Hannah-Jones

The New York Times Company

The New York Times Magazine

An upcoming book to be published by Penguin Random House.

A New Origin Story

The 1619 Project

Kristen Claiborn

I shouldn’t have waited on writing this review. I have been struggling with the writing muse, March 2022, and I am slightly embarrassed. I wish that I had the ability to distribute this book from the rooftop of every building in America. Instead, I sat in front of my computer, looking at a blank word document, battling myself with how best to start a conversation about this book. How does one chat about the pure horror white America has put non-white America through, for hundreds of years? I’m also living through a period of time where many are doing everything in their power to prevent the teaching of actual U. S. history. Many states have passed laws actively outlawing the teaching of slavery, and the racism that followed (and continues today). 
	This book might be the biggest eye-opener I have ever read. During the summer of 2020, the entire country was swept up in a wave of anti-racism protests, primarily aimed at police brutality towards people of color. While being cooped up at home, I dug into the history of racism in the United States. It’s truly undeniable, yet there are so many deniers. Unfortunately, the people that need to read this book and hear these stories are the same people that will never even consider reading this book. 
	I will continue to do my part by reading these books and acknowledging the ongoing crisis people of color are subjected to-day in and day out. I will continue to talk about how racism is as prevalent today, just not as loud. If you’re on the fence about reading this book, read it immediately.

jenn kause

I have two degrees (BA and MA) and learned so much more than I ever did out of 18 years of school. There's a lot of information to take in from this book and what I love about it is that the information provided (source material) is easily accessible. The citations make it easy for people like me who are curious about the studies or want to learn more about a particular speech/quote to look in the back of the book and see where it's from. 
This book is open about that information, unlike other "political" books I've read.

Just read the book. Take your time and really comprehend what the authors are saying. It's not an easy read by all means but you learn about the history of this country and the perspectives of Black people. 

I'll leave this quote here because it really stuck to me just how far we have to go:
 "...Black people were enslaved here longer than [they] have been free" (page 35).

Sahi K

I’ve been waiting a while to get to this book and it lived up to all my expectations. I also listened to the audiobook and the full cast made this an excellent experience. It is informative, thought provoking and even difficult to read at times but definitely one that’s worth a read. I also feel this is a great companion to last year’s release Four Hundred Souls which was equally compelling in its telling of Black history. 

I guess it’s the end of the year, so I feel tired and not enough words are coming out of me to write this review. But just know that I feel this is a good addition to any tbr, and will probably be particularly helpful to those who are just beginning to know American history.

I know a podcast (or magazine feature, for that matter) isn't a book and probably shouldn't be counted, but I'm breaking the rules. The 1619 Project has been on my radar for a while, but I never made time to listen to it. I love audiobooks, but I'm not a big podcast listener so I never moved it up on my priority list. I'm kicking myself for sure now, though. This was compelling and educational. It was also absolutely maddening and heartbreaking at times, particularly the last two episodes. But, I think it's an important read/listen. We can't change where we're going until we fully understand how we got here.

The 1619 Project A New Origin Story

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