In the Name of Blackness - by Sherman Gillums (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In the Name of Blackness: An Exploration of Racial Identity and Naming Conventions. Confronting Nameism's Impact on Black Lives and their Struggle for Socio-Political Liberation.

This thought-provoking book delves into the profound significance of names as primary identifiers within social structures, particularly for the Black community. It explores the struggles, biases, and prejudices that individuals with distinctively Black names encounter, especially within predominantly white environments. The author, drawing from personal experiences and observations, presents a comprehensive analysis of the name-based racism or 'nameism, ' a term that emerged from a 2024 University of Dayton study.

The historical trajectory of nameism is intricately explored, tracing its origins and evolution alongside the construction and perception of Blackness as a racial identity. The author masterfully sheds light on the subtle yet pervasive nature of nameism, demonstrating how it manifests in various data and research. The book emphasizes how these name-identity threats influence the judgments of society's opportunity gatekeepers, such as educators, employers, and loan officers, and their long-term impacts.

In an era where labeling and identifying oneself is pivotal, the book positions Black naming conventions as acts of resistance, signifying the journey from the demand for civil rights to the rise of consciousness movements that fostered a self-determined identity among Black Americans. These names, rich in history and symbolic of freedom, are presented as a counterpoint to societal norms and expectations.

However, the author doesn't shy away from the darker side of this narrative. He critically examines nameism as a form of symbolic violence, where societal power dynamics impose values that justify bias against individuals whose names symbolize a counter-assimilative intent. This forms a significant liability in a society that claims to be colorblind, yet often extols the virtues of seeing the absence of Blackness in a person.

In the Name of Blackness offers an insightful exploration of the intersection of racial identity, naming conventions, and societal biases, illuminating the struggle and resilience of the Black community amidst persistent challenges. This compelling read challenges us to reassess our preconceived notions and prejudices, encouraging a more inclusive understanding of identity and diversity.