Long Time Coming: Reckoning with Race in America

The night of May 25, 2020, changed America when George Floyd, a 43-year-old Black man, was killed during an arrest in Minneapolis. Long Time Coming by Dyson explores the cultural and social forces that have shaped our nation in the brutal crucible of race, tracing the genealogy of anti-blackness from the slave ship to the street corner where Floyd lost his life.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2021
Publisher: St Martin's Press

The night of May 25, 2020, marked a significant turning point in American history. The tragic death of George Floyd, a 43-year-old Black man, at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis sparked widespread protests and social unrest, reminiscent of the civil rights movement of the 1960s. While Floyd's death was undoubtedly the catalyst for these events, it was merely the fuse that ignited an already simmering powder keg.

Long Time Coming, a powerful and thought-provoking book by Dyson, delves into the cultural and social forces that have shaped our nation's history, particularly in the context of race. The book is divided into five chapters, each dedicated to a different black martyr, ranging from Breonna Taylor to Rev. Clementa Pinckney. Through these chapters, Dyson traces the genealogy of anti-blackness, from its origins on slave ships to the streets where Floyd lost his life and where America finally found the courage to confront the ugly truth of systemic racism.

What makes this book particularly compelling is Dyson's ability to weave together historical analysis with personal anecdotes and insights. He draws on his own experiences as a Black man and a scholar to provide a deeply personal and emotional perspective on the issues he discusses. His writing is clear, concise, and accessible, making it accessible to a wide audience.

In the final chapter of the book, Dyson offers a poignant plea for hope. He acknowledges that the road to social redemption is long and challenging, but he remains optimistic that change is possible. He calls on readers to recognize the systemic injustices that exist in our society and to work towards dismantling them. He also emphasizes the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding, as these are the foundations upon which social change can be built.

Overall, Long Time Coming is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the history and current state of race relations in America. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the issues that have shaped our nation, and it offers a roadmap for building a more just and equitable society. Dyson's writing is inspiring, thought-provoking, and ultimately hopeful, and it is a testament to the power of education, activism, and empathy in the fight for social justice.

Weight: 356g
Dimension: 199 x 135 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781250276759