Content Warning: The source material reproduces “the n-word” and other racial slurs, as well as offensive terms related to ability. It also contains discussion of slavery, lynching, sexual assault, and suicide.

The book begins with a Cherokee adage: “In our traditional way of life, we believe that I don’t tell you who you are. You tell me who you are, and that is who you are” (ix).

The Introduction explains the motivation behind the book, beginning with the authors’ recognition that their school did not teach them about racial issues, even as they faced prejudice and racism as Asian American students. After the 2014 police killing of Eric Garner, their sophomore history teacher brought up race, prompting their journey toward learning about the topic. They began interviewing people from all races and walks of life in their hometown of Princeton, New Jersey, asking them, “What does the word ‘race’ mean to you?” (2). They created the racial literacy organization CHOOSE to relate these stories online and teach people about racial literacy. They became speakers at schools, produced teaching resources, and held a TED Talk, “What It Takes to Be Racially Literate.”

Prompted by a tweet from their professor, Ruha Benjamin, they realized that the stories they collected and shared online needed research and statistical support.