On Critical Race Theory

Why It Matters & Why You Should Care

By: Victor Ray

Narrated by: James Fouhey

What exactly is critical race theory? This concise and accessible exploration demystifies a crucial framework for understanding and fighting racial injustice in the United States.

“A clear-eyed, expert field guide.”—Dr. Tressie McMillan Cottom, author of Thick

From renowned scholar Dr. Victor Ray, On Critical Race Theory explains the centrality of race in American history and politics, and how the often mischaracterized intellectual movement became a political necessity.

Ray draws upon the radical thinking of giants such as Ida B. Wells, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to clearly trace the foundations of critical race theory in the Black intellectual traditions of emancipation and the civil rights movement. From these foundations, Ray explores the many facets of our society that critical race theory interrogates, from deeply embedded structural racism to the historical connection between whiteness and property, ownership, and more.

In succinct, thoughtful essays, Ray presents, analyzes, and breaks down the scholarship and concepts that constitute this often misconstrued term. He explores how the conversation on critical race theory has expanded into the contemporary popular conscience, showing why critical race theory matters and why we should all care.

Critic reviews

“Regimes ban books when the books explain what is actually happening. Everyone who reads Victor Ray’s book will emerge understanding that this is exactly why critical race theory is being banned. In clear and accessible prose, Ray explains why we need critical race theory to understand the problems we face, and simultaneously reveals why it is such a target. The government doesn’t want you to have this knowledge. This book explains why.”—Jason Stanley, author of How Fascism Works

“Sociologist Victor Ray has given us the profound gift of a clear-eyed, expert field guide to racial fascism and critical race theory. This is a handbook for serious people who want to fight dishonest fearmongering.”—Dr. Tressie McMillan Cottom, author of Thick

Highly recommend this title

This not very long treatise on critical race theory provides a great overview of the topic and is well supported by examples and stories. If you’re someone who doesn’t think you ought to read it then perhaps you should.

Essential reading for patriots

Every American should read this book, search their heart, and then roll up their sleeves

Excellent

I was in search of a book to help me better understand CRT and this book did an excellent job. Well narrated and easy to understand. Thank you!

Must read to level up knowledge

If you have already read the standard recommended starter books on racism in America and are looking to level up, you must read this. I wasn't ready in my k owledge to jump to the Foundational texts establishing conceptions of Critical race theory, intersectionality, etc...so this was a great next step. You will also have much more understanding of what critical racism actually is and isn't.

An exemplary work

This is an example of how academics SHOULD address complex and misunderstood high-level questions.