Mayor’s Book Club to read about history of racist ideas

Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe announced “Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America” by Ibram X. Kendi as the next selection for the Mayor’s Book Club. The public is invited to read and participate in discussion about racial themes raised in the book. The only rule is that people enter the discussion with an open mind, and discuss the book with civility and positivity.

Ibram X. Kendi is an assistant professor of African-American history at the University of Florida who focuses on racist and antiracist movements and ideas.

“My definition of a racist idea is a simple one: it is any concept that regards one racial group as inferior or superior to another racial group in any way,” writes Kendi.

The book gives a timeline of racist ideas, from as early as the 15th century in Europe to the present time and the discussions and events that are occurring on the streets of America.

“Stamped from the Beginning” is Kendi’s second book, and is a finalist for the 2016 National Book Award for Nonfiction. He is a frequent op-ed contributor, writing for Salon, Huffington Post, The Root, Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, and more.

“Stamped from the Beginning” has been described as “engrossing and relentless” (The Washington Post) and “heavily researched yet readable” (Booklist).

This meeting of the Mayor’s Book Club will be held in January. The book can be purchased from Wild Iris Books; buy it there to support this fine independent feminist bookstore.

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