AN ABOLITIONIST’S HANDBOOK by Patrisse Cullors - Kirkus Review

Kirkus | August 3, 2021

A co-founder of Black Lives Matter compiles a tool kit for activists hoping to abolish “oppressive systems, institutions, and practices” and to repair the harm they’ve caused.

Inspired partly by her father’s experiences in Alcoholics Anonymous, Cullors blends polemic and self-help in a 12-step program for getting rid of “prisons, jails, police, courts and surveillance” and otherwise “dismantling white supremacy.” As she sees it, abolition means more than demolishing institutions or practices and replacing them with more humane alternatives. It also involves taking personal and interpersonal steps to foster “healing and liberation,” such as having “courageous conversations” with friends, family, co-workers, and movement allies or colleagues about difficulties in relationships. Cullors begins each chapter by discussing one of her 12 steps, such as “Build Community” and “Forgive Actively Not Passively,” and ends each with practical tips on topics such as “What To Read/Watch/See/Hear” and “Guiding Questions” for reflection (listen to Beyoncé’s Lemonade to hear about “actively forgiving”).

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