Where Are the Intellectuals?

Jeanne Theoharis's "King of the North" challenges conventional narratives surrounding Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on his extensive activism in the North and California. The book reveals King's consistent engagement with issues of police brutality, housing segregation, and school segregation in Northern cities. Theoharis highlights King's collaborations with community organizers and gang leaders, demonstrating his commitment to addressing systemic racism beyond the Jim Crow South. The book also sheds light on Coretta Scott King's significant contributions to the movement and her own radical political views. "King of the North" offers a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of King's life and legacy, emphasizing his unwavering fight for racial justice across the United States.

In *Becoming Abolitionists*, Derecka Purnell recounts her personal journey towards embracing police abolition, drawing from her experiences as a lawyer and organizer. The book argues that policing is inherently oppressive and that true safety and justice can only be achieved by addressing the root causes of violence and creating new community systems. Purnell's narrative blends personal history with broader social commentary, advocating for a future without policing.

Freedom Dreams explores the history of Black radical movements in the 20th century, highlighting the role of imagination, communism, surrealism, and feminism in shaping visions for a liberated future. The book chronicles the struggles and contributions of various activists and artists, emphasizing the importance of envisioning a better world as a precursor to creating it.

Our History Has Always Been Contraband is a powerful collection of essays and articles that addresses the ongoing attempts to erase Black history from educational curricula. Edited by prominent figures in social justice, the book highlights the systematic efforts to suppress the teaching of Black history and the various forms of resistance against this erasure. It features diverse voices and perspectives, offering a comprehensive look at the historical context and contemporary implications of this struggle. The book serves as a call to action, urging readers to engage in critical discussions about the importance of accurate and inclusive historical narratives. It is a vital resource for educators, students, and anyone committed to the preservation and celebration of Black history.