Desmond Cole

Desmond Cole is a Canadian journalist, activist, and author based in Toronto who has become a prominent voice on racial justice issues in Canada. His work spans multiple media outlets including the Toronto Star, The Walrus, NOW Magazine, and BuzzFeed, focusing particularly on police discrimination and systemic racism. Cole gained significant public attention through his journalism and activism around police carding practices in Toronto. His 2015 Toronto Life cover story about his personal experiences with police carding helped bring national attention to the issue. This work led to him being featured in the 2017 CBC Television documentary "The Skin We're In." In 2020, Cole published his first book "The Skin We're In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power," which became the bestselling Canadian book that year. The work chronicles a year of Black activism and resistance in Canada, drawing from his experiences as both a journalist and activist. Born in Red Deer, Alberta and raised in Oshawa, Ontario, Cole began his career working with at-risk youth after leaving Queen's University. He later transitioned to journalism and broadcasting, hosting a radio show on Newstalk 1010 from 2015 to 2020 while continuing his work as a writer and social justice advocate.

Readers cite Cole's investigative journalism skills and his unflinching examination of systemic racism in Canada. His book "The Skin We're In" receives particular focus for documenting specific incidents and personal experiences with police. Readers appreciated: - Clear, direct writing style without academic jargon - First-hand accounts that make abstract issues tangible - Focus on Canadian context rather than US-centric perspective Common criticisms: - Some readers wanted more proposed solutions - A few noted an angry or confrontational tone - Limited exploration of intersectional issues Ratings averages: Goodreads: 4.5/5 (3,800+ ratings) Amazon.ca: 4.7/5 (350+ ratings) Indigo: 4.8/5 (100+ ratings) Representative review: "Cole's journalism background shows - he presents receipts for everything he discusses. This isn't theoretical - it's documented fact after documented fact." - Goodreads reviewer

The Skin We're In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power (2020) A month-by-month account of Black experiences and anti-Black racism in Canada during 2017, documenting personal encounters, activism, and systemic issues across the country.

Ta-Nehisi Coates writes about racial justice and systemic inequality in America through personal narrative and historical analysis. His work "Between the World and Me" explores similar themes of Black identity and institutional racism that Cole addresses in his writing.

Robyn Maynard examines anti-Black racism and policing in Canada through research and activism. Her book "Policing Black Lives" provides historical context for contemporary issues of systemic discrimination that complement Cole's journalism.

Tanya Talaga investigates Indigenous rights and systemic discrimination in Canada through investigative journalism. Her books "Seven Fallen Feathers" and "All Our Relations" document institutional failures and resistance movements that parallel Cole's focus on systemic inequities.

Ibram X. Kendi analyzes racism through historical research and contemporary policy critique. His work combines personal narrative with scholarly analysis to examine systemic racism in ways that align with Cole's approach to documenting discrimination.

Rinaldo Walcott writes about Black culture and politics in Canada from an academic and cultural perspective. His work "On Property" examines similar themes of Black resistance and institutional power structures that Cole explores in his journalism and activism.