About the Author

Blair Imani is a critically-acclaimed historian, author, educator, and influencer. Herscholarshipspans the subjects of gender studies, race and racism, sociology, intersectionality, and U.S. history. She is the author of Read This to Get Smarter about Race, Class, Gender, Disability, and More; Making Our Way Home- The Great Migration and the Black American Dream; and Modern HERstory- Stories of Women and Nonbinary People Rewriting History.The New York Times praised her unique ability to create "progressive lessons with vibrant visuals and a perky, quirky delivery." Her work centers women and girls, global Black communities, and the LGBTQ+ community. As an educator and influencer, semi-retired organizer, and public speaker, Blair Imani is dedicated to making the world a better place and amplifying the voices and work of those fighting the good fight.

Reviews

“Blair Imani is the teacher I wish I’d had at school, and the educator I'm grateful to learn from now. Read This to Get Smarter is a book the world sorely needs. Written in her signature style that blends deep learning with ease and approachability, Blair answers the questions that so many of us are asking ourselves. This book helps plug the gaps of understanding that so many of us have and supports us in becoming better human beings and better ancestors.”—Layla F. Saad, author of Me and White Supremacy

“As a young educator at Planned Parenthood, Blair Imani demonstrated her passion for teaching and building community. In Read This to Get Smarter, Blair provides a roadmap to better understanding the most important issues in our culture today, including race, class, gender, and disability. She approaches these important topics with humility and provides readers with the tools they need to get smarter.”—Cecile Richards, former president, Planned Parenthood Federation of America

“Blair Imani writes about identity with a singular wit and accessibility that makes Read This to Get Smarter an essential guide for curious people of any age. The twenty-first century offers us countless opportunities to look foolish—in very avoidable ways, in front of lots of people—but thankfully, Blair is here to help.”—Jamal Jordan, author of Queer Love in Color

“If you want a deeper understanding of the multi-layer universe of people with disabilities, this book is a great place to start.”—Jillian Mercado, model, actor, and founder of Black Disabled Creatives

“Blair Imani’s Read This to Get Smarter is a necessary guide for anyone committed to justice in their personal and political lives. Imani approaches readers with a deep kindness and offers them concrete tools for thinking anew about race, gender, class, and sexuality, and for imagining a different kind of world.”—Jennifer C. Nash, author or Black Feminism Reimagined

“I did indeed read this to get smarter, and Blair Imani does not disappoint. As a queer Jew, to see such thoughtful passages reflecting my own identity left me even more inspired to continue to educate myself on the history and experiences of others.”—Jake Cohen, New York Times bestselling author of Jew-ish: A Cookbook

“I love Blair’s style of educating. Her fun and colorful personality (and fashion) really makes learning fun, but my favorite thing about Blair is how she calls on people affected by a certain issue or subject to speak on it and amplifies their voices. I wish more educators did that.”—Nathalie Emmanuel, actor