Say Her Name: Resisting Police Brutality Against Black Women

Say Her Name confronts the overlooked crisis of police violence against Black women in America. Through research, interviews, and case studies, legal scholar and activist Kimberlé Crenshaw documents incidents of brutality while examining why these stories often go untold. The book presents narratives of Black women and girls who have faced police violence, combining personal accounts with analysis of law enforcement patterns and media coverage. Crenshaw investigates the intersections of race, gender, and institutional power that contribute to this specific form of state violence. Crenshaw introduces the "Say Her Name" campaign and movement, which aims to bring attention to police brutality against Black women and push for institutional change. The work highlights grassroots organizing efforts and provides frameworks for understanding and addressing this systemic issue. This essential text challenges the male-centric narrative around police violence and racism in America, revealing how gender and race combine to produce distinct forms of vulnerability and erasure. The analysis provides tools for recognizing and responding to the unique ways Black women experience state violence.

Most readers value how the book elevates lesser-known cases of Black women who died from police violence, beyond more publicized male victims. Reviews frequently mention the book's success in highlighting intersectionality and systemic patterns. Readers appreciate: - Detailed research and documentation of cases - Personal stories that humanize victims - Clear explanations of how gender and race intersect in police violence Common criticisms: - Dense academic language can be hard to follow - Some readers wanted more concrete solutions offered - A few note repetitive content Ratings: Goodreads: 4.46/5 (982 ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (156 ratings) One reader notes: "This book opened my eyes to how media and activism often ignore Black women victims." Another states: "The academic tone made important points less accessible." No professional literary reviews found - book appears to be primarily discussed in academic and activist contexts.

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🔹 Kimberlé Crenshaw coined the term "intersectionality" in 1989, a concept that helps explain how Black women face unique challenges due to the overlap of racism and sexism 🔹 The book's title was inspired by the #SayHerName campaign, which Crenshaw helped launch in 2014 to highlight how police violence against Black women often goes unreported and unnoticed 🔹 While Black men killed by police receive about 100 media mentions, Black women killed in similar circumstances typically receive only 3-4 mentions in the media 🔹 Crenshaw is a professor at both Columbia Law School and UCLA School of Law, where she founded the Critical Race Theory Workshop and co-founded the African American Policy Forum 🔹 The book examines over 70 cases of Black women who died in police custody or were killed by law enforcement, including Sandra Bland, Breonna Taylor, and Atatiana Jefferson