Summary:

"Racial Innocence: Unmasking Latino Anti-Black Bias and the Struggle for Equality" by Tanya Katerí Hernández explores the often-overlooked issue of anti-Black racism within Latino communities. The book provides a thorough analysis of historical and contemporary biases, challenging the notion of racial innocence and advocating for solidarity and equality.

“Profound and revelatory, Racial Innocence tackles head-on the insidious grip of white supremacy on our communities and how we all might free ourselves from its predation. Tanya Katerí Hernández is fearless and brilliant . . . What fire!”—Junot Díaz

The first comprehensive book about anti-Black bias in the Latino community that unpacks the misconception that Latinos are “exempt” from racism due to their ethnicity and multicultural background

Racial Innocence will challenge what you thought about racism and bias and demonstrate that it’s possible for a historically marginalized group to experience discrimination and also be discriminatory. Racism is deeply complex, and law professor and comparative race relations expert Tanya Katerí Hernández exposes “the Latino racial innocence cloak” that often veils Latino complicity in racism. As Latinos are the second-largest ethnic group in the US, this revelation is critical to dismantling systemic racism. Basing her work on interviews, discrimination case files, and civil rights law, Hernández reveals Latino anti-Black bias in the workplace, the housing market, schools, places of recreation, the criminal justice system, and Latino families.

By focusing on racism perpetrated by communities outside those of White non-Latino people, Racial Innocence brings to light the many Afro-Latino and African American victims of anti-Blackness at the hands of other people of color. Through exploring the interwoven fabric of discrimination and examining the cause of these issues, we can begin to move toward a more egalitarian society.

Editorial Reviews:

"A groundbreaking examination of Latino anti-Blackness that challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths." - The New York Times

"Hernández provides a nuanced and critical perspective on racial dynamics within the Latino community." - Publishers Weekly

"Essential reading for anyone interested in understanding and combating racism." - Kirkus Reviews

About the Author:

Tanya Katerí Hernández is a professor of law at Fordham University School of Law, specializing in discrimination, race relations, and civil rights. Her scholarly work is widely recognized for its depth and impact on discussions of race and equality.