We Refuse; A Forceful History of Black Resistance

An "unsparing, erudite, and incisive" (Jelani Cobb) reevaluation of Black resistance to white supremacy—both violent and nonviolent—throughout history and into the present.

Named a Best Book of 2024 by Smithsonian, Kirkus, Chicago Review of Books, and Emancipator

Black resistance to white supremacy is often oversimplified into a stark contrast between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s nonviolent approach and Malcolm X’s call for action “by any means necessary.” In We Refuse, historian Kellie Carter Jackson challenges this false dichotomy, offering an unapologetic exploration of the diverse range of Black responses to oppression, particularly those driven by Black women.

The dismissal of "Black violence" as an illegitimate form of resistance itself serves as an extension of white supremacy, distracting from the pervasive and enduring violence of systemic racism. From work stoppages and property destruction to armed uprisings, force has been a crucial component in the pursuit of freedom and justice for Black people since the American and Haitian Revolutions. Yet, violence is only one of many strategies. Carter Jackson also highlights other vital forms of resistance, such as finding joy in the face of adversity and the quiet yet powerful act of walking away.

With clarity, passion, and ultimately a message of hope, We Refuse offers a necessary correction to the historical narrative, a celebration of Black resilience, and a roadmap toward liberation.