Book Review of The Constructive Extermination Of Women Of Color

The twin demons of racism and sexism have long been, and continue to be, formidable debilitating factors for women of color in U.S. society. Suzanne Brooks has produced a thorough and forthright look into the factors that contribute to, and in fact perpetuate, the systemic “extermination” of women of color. Just as importantly, and notwithstanding the fundamental need for systemic change, Ms. Brooks offers challenging and exciting real life possibilities as to how this very real and unacceptable situation, as it pertains to the disempowerment and suppression of women of color, should and can be addressed today.

The essays contained in the book will grab the mind, heart, and soul of the reader, no matter what gender, color, or ethnicity one might be. The book needs to be read by everyone and has been written in a clear, easy to understand, and unpretentious style. The power and strength of the book are to be found in its combined scholarly approach and simultaneous searing honesty.

In her book, Ms. Brooks presents numerous documented examples from her vast personal experiences as a woman of color, an activist, educator, mentor, vocalist and band leader. She writes in a proactive rather than a reactive fashion.

The point of the book is to serve as a strong and viable tool in assisting women of color to empower and help themselves and each other, as opposed to being perpetually dependent. In this vein, the book is also about ‘education’ (in its most practical sense) and collaboration; in addition to being about utilizing and developing multiple levels of ‘leadership.’ As such, it is a book that needs to be read, embraced, and utilized by academia as well as lay persons throughout every socio-economic strata. The essence of this book is really all about creativity, real self-empowerment, and perseverance.

The dedication in the beginning of the book says it all – “To surviving uncorrupted women of color and our allies: May we be truly and completely free in our lifetimes, never forgetting contributions of others, here and passed on.”

THE CONSTRUCTIVE EXTERMINATION OF WOMEN OF COLOR – Consequences of Perpetual Socio-Economic Marginalization, by Suzanne Brooks, is published by Street Press, Sacramento, California. Click here to get your copy!