• Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?

  • And Other Conversations About Race
  • By: Beverly Daniel Tatum
  • Narrated by: Beverly Daniel Tatum
  • Length: 13 hrs and 27 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (2,225 ratings)

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Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?  By  cover art

Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?

By: Beverly Daniel Tatum
Narrated by: Beverly Daniel Tatum
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Publisher's summary

The classic, New York Times best-selling book on the psychology of racism that shows us how to talk about race in America.

Walk into any racially mixed high school and you will see Black, White, and Latino youth clustered in their own groups. Is this self-segregation a problem to address or a coping strategy? How can we get past our reluctance to discuss racial issues?

Beverly Daniel Tatum, a renowned authority on the psychology of racism, argues that straight talk about our racial identities is essential if we are serious about communicating across racial and ethnic divides and pursuing antiracism. These topics have only become more urgent as the national conversation about race is increasingly acrimonious. This fully revised edition is essential listening for anyone seeking to understand dynamics of race and racial inequality in America.

©2017 Beverly Tatum (P)2017 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"An unusually sensitive work about the racial barriers that still divide us in so many areas of life." (Jonathan Kozol)

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What listeners say about Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?

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Eye-opening and so insightful and educational. Everyone needs to read this book.

I’m embarrassed by how much material in this book was new to me. It should be required reading for everyone. High quality and extremely educational and, sadly for me, very eye-opening.

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16 people found this helpful

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Love it.

I enjoyed this. i could relate so much to it.
Moving from Baltimore to Ohio to a small town when i was 4. I understood about not wanting to be African American. i Wanted to be white. The things I heard from adult whites was awful. I was scared of my own race. I still have some Apprehensive ways if I am around too many if it's not my family
Great read.

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5 people found this helpful

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  • 04-10-21

Wonderful book

This book is a great review of race relations. It encompasses more than just black and white which I appreciate. Dynamic and well researched. A thought provoking read that will challenge educated readers from all backgrounds.

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1 person found this helpful

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Very well written and insightful

Loved this book and appreciate the wealth of knowledge it provided into issues so difficult to discuss.

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A book that matured VERY well

This is a really wonderful book. The manner in which the author has "modernised" this book is truly remarkable. The unpacking of the impact of the Obama and Trump presidencies on the USA is in itself beautiful.

All in all, I would mark it as a MUST read for every single white person in the world.

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great info

I needed to pay attention to absorb content,
worth the time , well read by author.

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Outstanding for parents and educators

This is one of the best books I’ve read/listened to on race great wisdom for parents, for educators, and for all concerned about social justice. Excellent additions and revisions!!

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Enlightening

Beverly Daniel Tatum is well informed and relatable to all who engage and listen. Her voice is a pleasure to listen to as she tells stories and recounts history. I was fully engaged and am excited to embark more fully prepared for my journey down the road of Anti Racism work. I am a better person for having heard this recording of her brilliant work.

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essential for your antiracist toolbox

an in depth look at the forming of racial, ethnic, cultural identity that underlines the importance of becoming equipped to handle conversations about race while exploring the different ways that we are all impacted by racism. this book is an essential for your antiracist toolbox and can help form a solid foundation to build from. i absolutely love that its read by the author.

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Must Read

I wish I read this when my children were young. This book is excellent and describing race relations, how we can learn to have discussions about race, and how lack of conversation is harmful.

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