Freedom Dreams

The Black Radical Imagination

By: Robin D. G. Kelley

Narrated by: J. D. Jackson

Kelley unearths freedom dreams in this exciting history of renegade intellectuals and artists of the African diaspora in the 20th century. Focusing on the visions of activists from C. L. R. James to Aime Cesaire and Malcolm X, Kelley writes of the hope that Communism offered, the mindscapes of Surrealism, the transformative potential of radical feminism, and of the 400-year-old dream of reparations for slavery and Jim Crow. From "the preeminent historian of black popular culture" (Cornel West), an inspiring work on the power of imagination to transform society.

©2018 Robin D. G. Kelley (P)2018 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"A bold and provocative celebration of the black radical imagination in the 20th century." (Laura Ciolkowski, The New York Times Book Review)

"Based on Kelley’s belief that to make a better world we must first imagine it, this brilliantly conceived and written book recounts the accomplishments of black activists and thinkers over the past century who have been committed to remaking the world." (Library Journal)

"Through this masterful book of black radical history and philosophy, I can look past the dreariness of our unfree world with the binoculars of the imaginary, learning from those female and male 20th century activists Kelley chronicled, who refused to let any oppressor stop their movement dreams of a free life, of a free world." (Ibram X. Kendi, author of Stamped from the Beginning)

Informative, Eye-opening, Hopeful

I wish I had encountered this book when it was first published. I would have been a stronger person because this book is a luscious spiritual guide. Robin D.G Kelly provides not only a detailed, yet succinct, review of Black liberation struggles. He reveals to readers a portal to the spiritual realm by highlighting the various imaginative paths freedom fighters have forged. After reading this might text, I feel changed for the better.

YES! Increases Black Women

This is so good. Joyous. Love the conclusion dream especially. Is beautiful.
Sweet soul nourishing Black truths.

Audiobook missing pages

Reading was fine until I realized it left out 3 pages towards the begining (in my copy it is part of 39-42).