What is Black fatigue?
Black fatigue simply means that Black people as a whole are tired. We're tired of the injustice. We're tired of living every day knowing that we are feared. We are tired of society trying to invalidated our existence. Our lives are constantly being appraised to see who's valuable, and who's not. We are tired of explaining and justifying our place in society as a human being. We are tired of our diversity work being viewed as an extracurricular activity.
Black fatigue simply means that Black people as a whole are tired. We're tired of the injustice. We're tired of living every day knowing that we are feared. We are tired of society trying to invalidated our existence. Our lives are constantly being appraised to see who's valuable, and who's not. We are tired of explaining and justifying our place in society as a human being. We are tired of our diversity work being viewed as an extracurricular activity.
All of this takes a toll on the body and mind. That is what Black Fatigue is.
I came across Black Fatigue: How Racism Erodes the Mind, Body, and Spirit by that decision we've all heard when searching for books; "never judge a book by its cover." Well, I judge every book by its cover, and it hasn't steered me wrong yet. The cover of this book is a vibrant orange with three one line faces. I'm a sucker for anything with a one line design. My laptop case has the same design.
I came across Black Fatigue: How Racism Erodes the Mind, Body, and Spirit by that decision we've all heard when searching for books; "never judge a book by its cover." Well, I judge every book by its cover, and it hasn't steered me wrong yet. The cover of this book is a vibrant orange with three one line faces. I'm a sucker for anything with a one line design. My laptop case has the same design.
After I got over the beautiful cover, I explored the synopsis:
"This is the first book to define and explore Black fatigue, the intergenerational impact of systemic racism on the physical and psychological health of Black people--and explain why and how society needs to collectively do more to combat its pernicious effects."
Sold by these few lines, I got the book. The term Black Fatigue is not new to me. I’ve experienced it before, but 2020 was the worst. The murder of George Floyd was the tipping point for me. I had to go to my place of employment and try to carry on as usual. I was grieving, and so was my family.
"This is the first book to define and explore Black fatigue, the intergenerational impact of systemic racism on the physical and psychological health of Black people--and explain why and how society needs to collectively do more to combat its pernicious effects."
Sold by these few lines, I got the book. The term Black Fatigue is not new to me. I’ve experienced it before, but 2020 was the worst. The murder of George Floyd was the tipping point for me. I had to go to my place of employment and try to carry on as usual. I was grieving, and so was my family.
As I was doing my grocery shopping, I dealt with random folks constantly trying to relate and randomly try to persuade me that they are not racist (which if you do this, I still know you're racist). Trying to maintain life, work, and fight systematic racism was a struggle in 2020. It’s a struggle everyday, but as I mentioned 2020 was the hardest.
Anyway, the book is relatable. It does not offer anything new for me, but I believe it is a good resource for those trying to understand how Black people live their everyday lives in a society that makes sure you stay at the bottom.
Honestly, this book is not for Black people. It's a good resource for anyone who wants and, or needs the knowledge of antiracist advocacy.
The book is a good intro about Black fatigue and how it plays a huge role in our everyday lives, but I wanted more. I would have liked to see the author dive deeper into capitalism and how the structure contributes to Black fatigue. I also craved more discussion on decolonizing efforts. But, as I mentioned, this book is a good intro. Maybe we will get a part 2.
You can grab the book here.
Add me on Goodreads too!
Anyway, the book is relatable. It does not offer anything new for me, but I believe it is a good resource for those trying to understand how Black people live their everyday lives in a society that makes sure you stay at the bottom.
Honestly, this book is not for Black people. It's a good resource for anyone who wants and, or needs the knowledge of antiracist advocacy.
The book is a good intro about Black fatigue and how it plays a huge role in our everyday lives, but I wanted more. I would have liked to see the author dive deeper into capitalism and how the structure contributes to Black fatigue. I also craved more discussion on decolonizing efforts. But, as I mentioned, this book is a good intro. Maybe we will get a part 2.
You can grab the book here.
Add me on Goodreads too!
Remember, antiracist advocacy doesn't end for most BIPOC at the end of a workday or after diversity meetings. Our fight is not 9-5; it's 24/7.
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