STAY UP

The Little Black Lives Matter (2022) author presents a mix of memoir and manifesto on anti-racism.

Dill writes that anti-racism work “at its core…centers compassion.” Born to a Black Bahamian mother and white father and raised in Saskatchewan, he experienced the “racial tightrope walking” of holding “ ‘honorary’ white status” among his white friends but being called “whiteboy” while visiting family in the Bahamas. Now armed with the language he lacked as a young person, he fills this book with terms and concepts that explain the social construction of race and its centuries-old hierarchical system. As an educator, Dill dedicates a chapter to critiques of the educational systems of Canada and the U.S. He offers suggestions for reimagining schools: organizing for better resources, revamping curricula, and offering student-centered learning, among others. He highlights the detrimental effects of racism that manifest in ways such as disparities in mental health treatment. Dill’s background as a spoken-word poet and his passion for hip-hop influence the conversational tone; he warmly addresses readers as “family.” Starr’s eye-catching collages help to showcase the sincere urgency of the text. Ultimately, while it contains much of value, the book struggles with everything it’s trying to accomplish. As a result, it feels a bit congested and may prove more helpful to educators than teen readers.

A well-intentioned primer on anti-racism, particularly useful for those supporting young activists.