When They Call You a Terrorist is a powerful and poignant memoir written by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and Asha Bandele. The book tells the story of Patrisse’s life growing up in Los Angeles, California, and how she became involved in the Black Lives Matter movement. The book is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different aspect of Patrisse’s life and experiences.
Part One: The Audacity of Our Hopes
In the first part of the book, Patrisse introduces readers to her family and upbringing. She talks about how her father was a member of the Black Panther Party and how her mother was a single mother who worked hard to provide for her children. Patrisse also discusses her own struggles with mental health and how she first became involved in activism.
Part Two: The Fire This Time
The second part of the book focuses on Patrisse’s involvement in the Black Lives Matter movement. She talks about the first protest she attended after the killing of Trayvon Martin and how it inspired her to become more involved in the movement. Patrisse also discusses the killing of Michael Brown and the protests that followed, as well as the creation of the Black Lives Matter network.
Part Three: The Resilience of Our Dreams
In the final part of the book, Patrisse reflects on her experiences with the Black Lives Matter movement and how it has impacted her life. She talks about the challenges she faced as a queer, black woman in the movement and how she worked to create space for other marginalized individuals. Patrisse also discusses the importance of self-care and the power of community in the face of oppression.
Conclusion
When They Call You a Terrorist is a powerful and poignant memoir that tells the story of Patrisse Khan-Cullors’ life and experiences. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about the Black Lives Matter movement and the experiences of black women in the United States. Through her writing, Patrisse provides readers with a glimpse into her life and the challenges she faced as a queer, black woman in the movement. Overall, When They Call You a Terrorist is a powerful and inspiring book that highlights the resilience and strength of marginalized communities.
Interested in reading the whole book?
Buy the book “When They Call You a Terrorist” on Amazon
