OWN IT! bags Cullors' modern abolitionist guide

OWN IT! has bagged the "bold, humanistic" guide to how to be a modern-day abolitionist by author and co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Global Network foundation Patrisse Cullors.

In An Abolitionist's Handbook, Cullors charts a framework for how everyday activists can effectively fight for an abolitionist present and future. "Filled with relatable pedagogy on the history of abolition, a reimagining of what reparations look like for Black lives and real-life anecdotes from Cullors," the synopsis states. 

It continues: "Offering a bold, innovative, and humanistic approach to how to be a modern-day abolitionist. Cullors asks us to lead with love, fierce compassion, and precision. An Abolitionist's Handbook is for those who are looking to reimagine a world where communities are treated with dignity, care and respect. It gives us the tools to envision change and healing."

The publisher acquired UK and Commonwealth English language rights from St Martin’s Press for An Abolitionist's Handbook: 12 Steps to Changing Yourself and the World. The book will be published on 25th January 2022. 

OWN IT! founder and commissioning editor Crystal Mahey-Morgan said: “Patrisse is without doubt one of the most important thinkers and voices of our time. Through her art and activism, she has consistently changed the conversation around race, equality and mental health, helped to create a more empathetic world and never been afraid to ask the difficult questions that lead to necessary and positive change. In An Abolitionist's Handbook, Patrisse goes further to offer us an alternative framework in which to think about freedom and equality, offering a practical guide to how small personal acts can lead to a global movement which centres humanity. We could not be prouder to be publishing this book.”

Cullors is a New York Times bestselling author, educator, artist and abolitionist from Los Angeles. Co-founder and former executive director of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, she has been on the frontlines of abolitionist organising for 20 years. Since she began the Black Lives Matter movement in 2013, it has expanded into a global foundation supporting Black-led movements in the US, UK and Canada. In 2020, she signed a production deal with Warner Brothers, where she intends to continue to highlight Black stories, talent and creators.

Commenting on the book, she said: “An Abolitionist’s Handbook is filled with relatable teachings from my life and what I’ve learned on my own abolitionist journey. I wrote the handbook to serve as a guide for those who are either just starting to have the conversations questioning the role of law enforcement, or if you’re looking for tools on how to navigate the complex conversations around conflict and harm. A modern-day abolitionist fights for an economy of care over an economy of punishment. 

"A modern-day abolitionist has to focus on reinvesting in our communities and move resources away from police, prisons, surveillance and courts. A modern-day abolitionist is fighting for a present and future that is rooted in healing, love and care.”