Description

_{This book came about as a counteraction to the sudden and profound stripping back of decades of anti-oppression progress in the United States with the installation of a new governmental regime founded upon fascism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, misogyny, oppression and incompetence. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs and policies have been demonized as hallmarks of anti-whiteness and are being summarily gutted by the current administration. Competent, highly esteemed, careered persons from marginalized populations are being targeted, fired and replaced with unqualified ‘mediocre white men.’ We are living in historic times, dark times, a time that calls for action at personal, professional and societal levels. Due process is being butchered. The threat to civil rights is real and upon us. This is a time to speak truth to power. It is a time when it is necessary to become fluent in the philosophy, context, history, and actions of anti-racist practice in fighting this tsunami of rollbacks of civil rights. Memoirs of an Accidental Abolitionist is written by a white social worker and is dedicated to the advancement of anti-racist practices and the practice of anti-racism. Anti-oppression work is foundational to social work practice. This puts white social workers in a unique position to employ knowledge and power in dismantling racism.} 

_{That being said, this book belongs to the world. Each of us has social connections in a current political environment where sanctioned oppression is soaring. The same principles in addressing oppression within the industry of social work are applicable to anyone with a conscience who is willing to learn and the courage to take a stand.}

_{Memoirs of an Accidental Abolitionist is a primer for anti-racism as a growing body of knowledge. It is also a template for action. It includes definitions and the historic context and academic basis that serves as the foundation and platform for civil action, as espoused in the longstanding values and principles of social work practice. These are the academics that were unavailable four decades ago that I was forced to learn the hard way. Here, terms are defined. The book concludes with a narrative of two decades of lived experiences putting policy into practice. This section illustrates the many twists and turns of addressing oppression at the local and policy levels. While this manuscript focuses on racial oppression, it is critical to understand that all forms of oppression are intertwined.}

_{Finally, it must be emphasized that white supremacy is the progenitor of many social issues, specifically racism, and white people should be doing the heavy lifting when it comes to fighting it. It should not fall to the oppressed to dig themselves out from under the weight of a collective culture. It is a fight that duly belongs to white people. I was first inadvertently thrown into this good fight in 2005, fleeing from Hurricane Katrina, when I offended a white mayor after making inquiries about rumors of racism involving incoming FEMA trailers. To my shock and horror, in his rage, this small-town cotton-belt mayor made credible threats to my well-being. When I began to fear for my children’s safety, I asked my family in Pennsylvania to take them in while I stayed to handle this escalating situation. My mother’s response was, “But that’s not your fight.” I was stunned. My question was, “Well, whose fight is it? THEIRS?” I stayed. I fought because it was right. Because it was necessary. And today it is ever more so. If you come to me seeking a teacher, I will tell you I have nothing to offer. If you come to me seeking knowledge, I will tell you we are already bound together as disciples of truth.}