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Overall Summary
This book is a collection of essays by Ta-Nehisi Coates, who writes about race relations and the Black identity. The book focuses on his time as an author and gives insight into what he thinks about America’s racial progressions since Obama was elected president. It also talks about slavery in America and how it still affects people today.
The book consists of an introduction, eight essays and a conclusion. The introduction explains that the first era of good Black government was the Reconstruction period rather than during Obama’s presidency. White supremacists argue that Blacks are inferior and corrupt, but they misrepresent these eras as ones rife with corruption because it contradicts their notions.
In the first chapter, Coates talks about how he was going nowhere in his career and personal life until Obama ran for president. He then writes about how Bill Cosby’s conservative views are a problem for African Americans. In the second essay, Coates discusses his excitement as Obama won the election and how it helped him become a better writer. The third essay is about Michelle Obama; her biography helped to make people more comfortable with Barack being an immigrant.
Chapter 3 is about the third year of Obama’s presidency and “Notes from the Third Year.” In this chapter, Coates discusses how Obama’s election was a symbol of racial progress. However, he also argues that it doesn’t mean Black Americans have made any real change in their lives. He suggests that they should rewrite their own narratives on slavery and race relations as well as examine some myths surrounding them.
Chapter 4 is a collection of notes from the fourth year and an essay on Malcolm X’s legacy. In the note, Coates describes America as a country founded by plundering Black people through slavery, segregation and discrimination. Hip-hop helped him articulate this view effectively. The essay argues that Obama is a political descendant of Malcom X in his advocacy for Black self-determination and beauty.
Chapter 5 includes a note from the fifth year and an essay on Obama’s presidency. In the note, Coates describes how his writing career has progressed over time. He also analyzes Obama’s struggles with racism in America during his presidency, particularly after Trayvon Martin was killed.
Chapter 6 is called “Notes from the Sixth Year” and “The Case for Reparations.” Coates argues that there are still discriminatory practices in America today, so we need to pay back Black Americans with reparations.
Chapter 7 consists of “The Case for Reparations—Continued” and “A Plea for a New Sentiment.” In both the note and essay, Coates discusses how slavery resulted in a lack of wealth among African-Americans; he also explains why white Americans are not responsible for the enslavement of their ancestors. He goes on to explain how this wealth disparity has led to poor education systems, which have caused many Black children to be undereducated and unprepared for college.
Chapter 7 includes “Notes from the Seventh Year” and “The Black Family in the Age of Mass Incarceration.” In Notes, Coates reflects on his evolving understanding of his responsibility as a Black writer. He writes that he is more responsible now than before. In The Black Family, Coates argues that mass incarceration has been caused by liberal policies.
Chapter 8 includes a note about the excitement of Obama’s presidency and an essay on how America was unable to meet his high expectations. In the epilogue, Coates argues that Trump won because he used grievance politics to tap into White supremacy.
