Black Liberation and Socialism is the perfect ‘pocketbook of politics’ as Shawki analyzes how some black radical, movements morphed into liberalism/settled into conservatism, key figures during the black power movement in the 60s and 70s, and how the work of these leaders/movements have impacted society. 

Resistance to oppression has always been a present factor in the black struggle. Throughout the years we have become familiar with organizations such as the SNCC, SCLC, and probably the most well known, the BPP of Self-Defense. Unions and worker strikes have become par for the course as the working class is exhausted of capitalism’s iron grip on our lives. At a time where leaning into the words of radical black revolutionaries/ intellectuals is critical, Ahmed provides a thorough history of lesser known black  organizations like DRUM and MOVE. Acknowledging the success and failures of past movements that mobilized people for a time can be a useful guide for those seeking to build a mass movement that will shift this country’s trajectory. 

This is undoubtedly essential reading considering the impending presidential election and our nation’s incessant disregard of system racism. Well-cited, diligently researched, with a similar format to Abolition.Feminism.Now. this book is best for those that already possess a solid understanding of race and class. The works of revolutionaries such as Angela Davis, Huey P. Newton, Assata Shakur are stepping stones to grasping a comprehensive book like this.