A review by wellreadsinger
How to Be Black by Baratunde R. Thurston

funny hopeful informative medium-paced

5.0

Barracuda. Sorry, I mean Bartholomew. Wait, my fault I meant Barack?…nah that’s not it. Bidi bidi bom bom? Hol on, I got it now: Baratunde Thurston and the BPP (not the Black Panther party) use this memoir combined guidebook to discuss race in a refreshing way and provide a look into the future of blackness. 

 I loved reading about Brad’s upbringing and the ways his mother ensured that he had balance in his life. Whether it was making sure he had the best education, knowing how to protect himself, or simply staying connected to his community—she was a prime example of how blackness and what it means to be black has no limitations. Barry, HNIC of the BPP (black people panel) notes that it is important for black people to fully embrace themselves which in turn will help define what blackness means to them individually. 

Thursday doesn’t simply urge black people to think about where we want to go in regards to our standing in this country, but he provides a solid plan for how we might get there. How To Be Black effortlessly gets its message across without the humor drowning it out. If you want to learn how to be black (from an actual black person!!), if you want to beat the “I’m not racist” allegations, or if you want to help close the racial wealth gap by giving a black author his coins, this one is for you (everyone).