“Rose is one of our most dynamic and thoughtful public intellectuals today, and in her new book, Metaracism, she gives us the gift of sight. At a time when terms like ‘structural racism’ and ‘systemic racism’ are tossed around in the political fires with little rigor or reflection, Metaracism provides a much-needed primer on the real-world meaning of the problem. From housing to education, economic inequality to the criminal justice system, Rose invites us to see that the roots of racism run deep and are pervasive in the traumatic suffering we have witnessed in our time—of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Kelley Williams-Bolar, and so many others. We must not only say their names. We must be able to name the reasons why. In this critical text, Rose helps us to do just that.”

Henry Louis Gates Jr., New York Times-bestselling author of Stony the Road

“Tricia Rose has long set the bar for what it means to be a leading public intellectual. Brilliant, astute, and fearless, she has taken on the difficult task of demystifying ‘systemic racism’ from a catchphrase that merely asserts racial disparities are the result of hidden forces, explaining exactly how systemic racism works in the United States. With great clarity and precision, she moves beyond the shocking story, the point of trauma, or the dizzying statistics to expose the system as a whole; apprehending its operations by revealing each part, policy, and practice, and the myriad ways they conjoin. In the face of relentless attacks on the mere mention of racism, and the nonsense spewing from the new ‘anti-racism industry,’ Metaracism offers the clear-eyed analysis we urgently need.”

Robin D. G. Kelley, author of Freedom Dreams: The Black Radical Imagination

“As no one else can, Tricia Rose helps leaders see the hidden monster of systemic racism, understand how it really works, grasp the levers for change, and move toward action. Metaracism captures Professor Rose’s unique perspective with unforgettable reinterpretations of news stories we thought we knew but really didn’t. It is essential reading for any white American, like me, who wants to fight systemic racism not with a sense of guilt or shame, but with knowledge and hope.”

Professor Jan W. Rivkin, Professor of Business Administration, Strategy Unit, Harvard Business School

“Throughout this trenchant book, Rose’s analysis is rigorous, insightful, and lucid, and her language glimmers with lyrical clarity. She infuses every page with passion and expertise, backing up each argument with an impressive amount of research. A brilliant guide to a systemic malady that cannot be denied.”

Kirkus Reviews ★

“Rose is a brilliant scholar who has been on the cutting edge of every concept she’s touched. I read everything she writes and always learn from her insights and analyses.”

Imani Perry, National Book Award-winning author of South to America

“Marshaling extensive evidence into a lucid and powerful narrative, Rose provides an essential new look at American inequality. Even readers well versed in the topic will have their eyes opened by this cogent analysis.”

Publishers Weekly ★