Book Review: "The Skin We're In: A Year of Black Resistance & Power" by Desmond Cole

Desmond Cole is boldly unapologetic in action, in presence, and in print; when history reflect on this generation of Black Canadian leaders, freedom fighters, and those who weren't afraid to stand up for what they believe to be true...his name will be amongst those upheld.

Depending on who you ask or what you watch...his name might bring forth images of public disturbances and inappropriate appearances in otherwise regulated spaces. The fact is, we have all seen Desmond Cole standing up in protest at Board meetings, and speaking up against a range of issues from immigration, to racial profiling, and police brutality. We know he is someone at the forefront of movements, and someone who doesn't back down. Thanks to his 2015 article "The Skin I'm In" in Toronto Life magazine, we also learned that he had been harassed by the police dozens of times, through no fault of his own. He became the expert in "carding" and someone who was unfortunately, well-versed in the process.

His stories have been eye-opening to some, and familiar to others. His presence has been offensive to many, but heartfelt by many as well. History may also look at him as somewhat of a controversial figure, but I imagine that the titles, the labels, and the generalizations do no matter much to Mr. Cole. As long as his point is being made, and change is being inspired, I imagine that the generalizations and classifications can occur as they may. He will continue, regardless.

It's not easy. While we may all occasionally feel the call of duty, and the responsibility may nag at a number of people to step up and fight for progress and justice...it's a challenge that is not meant for everyone. The difficulties, the scrutiny, the adversity, and especially the discouragement along the way make it a job that many people can not uphold for long. That's why you have to respect and appreciate those, like Desmond Cole, who take it upon themselves to speak and walk and write on behalf of a community, their peers, their families, and brothers and sisters. You have to allow the few amongst us who are fearless to continue to move the agenda forward. We are not all built for this. We are not all strong enough for this.

What I appreciated most about Desmond Cole's national bestseller "The Skin We're In: A Year of Black Resistance & Power," that was released earlier this year from Penguin Random House was that he retold stories of 2017 and beyond in a way that didn't leave any details or facts to the imagination. As thoroughly referenced and detailed as expected from a journalist (Cole has experience with the Toronto Star, Newstalk 1010, and other prominent Canadian media outlets), Cole recapped stories of immigration, celebration, miscommunication, white supremacy, and Canadian history ...pointing out angles that perhaps the mainstream media overlooked. Even while he was employed within their networks. He highlights details and circumstances that were left on the editing room floor in many locations, despite best efforts to broadcast the messages.

Names like Dafonte Miller, Nancy Elgie, and Andrew Loku, and occasions like the Pride Parade, organizations like Black Lives Matter: Toronto, communities like the African Nova Scotians, and political figures like Justice Donald McLeod, and Toronto Mayor John Tory. They are all mentioned, in context, and with clarity. The stories, the individuals, and the surrounding sentiments are outlined, during the year that was significant for race relations for and against Black Canadians.

In a time where African-American headlines and movements are dominating international news, we are made even more aware of the positioning of the Black Canadian experience. We saw it in 2012 with the Toronto Star article "Known to Police." Slowly...and surely, the stories are being shared more frequently, more widely, and with increased urgency. Every now and then, one really hits home. This book is one of those times, as it has remained at the tops of best-seller lists since its release.

In Canada, we desperately need this reality check. We need these messages to continue, and increase, and find a permanent place in our discussions of race relations and basic, civic decency. While we can empathize with the struggles of our brothers and sisters suffering and dying at the hands of police brutality/murder, and just the hardship of existing in the United States of America, Canadians should no longer shrug and proclaim ignorance to the racism that exists on this side of the border. Whether it's Daniel Prude not too far away in Rochester, New York...or the death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet right here in Toronto earlier this year, we are not immune.

We never were. Those of us with Black skin have always known this. Those without...are learning, and presented with facts and circumstances that can not be avoided. This book is one of those ways to learn. Aside from the news coverage, the newspaper reports, and the talk radio commentary, this book presents a detailed look at the events of 2017 in a way that can't really be disputed or challenged. It just it what it is.

"The Skin We're In" has triggered me in many ways. It has triggered my anger towards systemic racism, oppression, and institutions. It has triggered my curiousity for additional resources, history, and references. Most importantly, it has triggered my sense of social responsibility, action, and awareness.

I highly recommend that you take in Desmond Cole's collection of words, recollections, and experience, and I'd like to share a few lines from the book that resonated with me:

"Survival alone is worth celebrating..."

"...noise complaints are continuously used to eradicate culture..."

"We are the scapegoats. Whiteness is constantly defined and reproduced through anti-Blackness."

"Whiteness pretends to forget its own name when called, and refuses to acknowledge its desire for dominance."

"...our safety depends on us anticipating racial violence."

"...police enjoy a legal monopoly on violence..."

"...Canadian education systems suspend, expel, devalue, and discourage Black kids with efficiency and intention."

"In 2017, at least sixty-five people in Canada died during or after their involvement with police."

In a line that really summarizes the spirit of this book, Cole mentions that: "The false promise of objectivity in journalism reinforces white supremacy. My activism is my writing..." (pg 78). I am grateful for reading Mr. Cole's writing, as it encourages me to reevaluate my own. This book reminds me how powerful the written word it, and how important it is that we continue to tell our stories. Loudly.

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Written by Stacey Marie Robinson for Kya Publishing's blog.