Freedom Dreams (Twentieth Anniversary Edition): The Black Radical Imagination

I think this has to be one of the weightiest activism books I've read so far. I suggest getting the 20th anniversary edition simply because of all the additions that provide even greater context.It took me longer to get through it because the history provided is so rich and dense. I had to go back and re-read/listen to several parts simply because I found myself getting lost in the history. There is a lot of inspiration to be found in these pages, but I'm actually at a loss of how to even begin to describe this book. I'm still reeling from it.I will have to reread it several more times to take in all of the lessons on "the power of imagination to transform society" and all the inspirational freedom dreams discussed in its pages.Because if you can't imagine the kind of future you want, you can't even begin to build on it. Like Alice Walker said, "Look closely at the present you are constructing: it should look like the future you are dreaming".

Kelley shines in his analysis of the role of surrealism in liberation and activism. The rest reads as more of a historical overview than what I was expecting, but an important one at that. A must read for anyone who dares to dream of a better future.

Robin Kelley is that rare academic who manages to be both brilliant and captivating -- he takes complex ideas and expresses them in a way that anyone can understand. I read this after reading Yo Mama's DisFUNKtional and I liked them both.

Not your same ole history lesson, he treasures the scholarship of activist women. Reparations complexity explained. Kelley opens our hearts and minds to the arts and its connection to society's history and future. Scholarly for all levels.

This book is beyond excellent. It covers the topics that are not usually covered in regards to the political activity and productions of African Americans. GREAT READ! For those not as radical as I it may be a challenge, however, that makes it all the more important for you to dive into!

This book is a good read. I am glad I have it to read then add to my library.

I loved it!

He is DA MAN!!! So I expected nothing less than excellence.