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Call and Response: The Story of Black Lives Matter
Call and The Story of Black Lives Matter is a broad and powerful exploration of the history of Black Lives Matter told through photographs, quotes, and informative text by New York Times bestselling authors Veronica Chambers and Jennifer Harlan.
In this essential history, New York Times editors Veronica Chambers and Jennifer Harlan explore Black Lives Matter through striking photographs, in-depth reporting, stunning visual timelines and graphics, and compelling quotes. Call and Response is perfect for young readers who need an introduction to this impactful movement—and for any reader looking for concrete information on this timely topic.
In 2020, the world watched history being made in the streets of America. The rallying cry of Black Lives Matter captured global attention and spurred thousands of people of all ages, races, genders, and backgrounds to stand up for major progressive social reform. The widespread protests, rooted in the call-and-response tradition of the Black community, were fueled by a growing understanding for many that systemic racism undermines the very nature of democracy. But where did this movement begin? And why, after years of work by everyday people, did the world finally begin to take notice?
Call and The Story of Black Lives Matter covers the rise of Black Lives Matter and how it has been shaped by U.S. history. From the founders of the movement—Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi—to the watershed moments that challenged people to take action, this book tells the story of how a hashtag became a movement. It follows the activists and organizers on their journeys, examines some of the ways that protest has been fundamental to American history, and shows how marches, rallies, and demonstrations can be vital tools for making meaningful change.
In this essential history, New York Times editors Veronica Chambers and Jennifer Harlan explore Black Lives Matter through striking photographs, in-depth reporting, stunning visual timelines and graphics, and compelling quotes. Call and Response is perfect for young readers who need an introduction to this impactful movement—and for any reader looking for concrete information on this timely topic.
In 2020, the world watched history being made in the streets of America. The rallying cry of Black Lives Matter captured global attention and spurred thousands of people of all ages, races, genders, and backgrounds to stand up for major progressive social reform. The widespread protests, rooted in the call-and-response tradition of the Black community, were fueled by a growing understanding for many that systemic racism undermines the very nature of democracy. But where did this movement begin? And why, after years of work by everyday people, did the world finally begin to take notice?
Call and The Story of Black Lives Matter covers the rise of Black Lives Matter and how it has been shaped by U.S. history. From the founders of the movement—Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi—to the watershed moments that challenged people to take action, this book tells the story of how a hashtag became a movement. It follows the activists and organizers on their journeys, examines some of the ways that protest has been fundamental to American history, and shows how marches, rallies, and demonstrations can be vital tools for making meaningful change.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 17, 2021
5 people are currently reading
1683 people want to read
About the author
Veronica Chambers
65 books277 followersVeronica Chambers is a prolific author, best known for her critically acclaimed memoir, Mama’s Girl, which has been course adopted by hundreds of high schools and colleges throughout the country. The New Yorker called Mama’s Girl “a troubling testament to grit and mother love… one of the finest and most evenhanded in the genre in recent years.” Born in Panama and raised in Brooklyn, Ms. Chambers' work often reflects her Afro-Latina heritage.
Her most recent non-fiction book was Kickboxing Geishas: How Japanese Women are Changing their Nation. Her other non-fiction books include The Joy of Doing Things Badly: A Girl’s Guide to Love, Life, and Foolish Bravery. She has also written more than a dozen books for children, most recently Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa and the body confidence Y/A novel, Plus. Her teen series, Amigas, is a collaboration between Chambers, producer Jane Startz, and Jennifer Lopez.
Veronica spent two seasons as an executive story editor for CW’s hit series Girlfriends, and earned a BET Comedy Award for her script work on that series. She has also written and developed projects for Fox and the N.
Veronica has contributed to several anthologies, including the best-selling Bitch in the House, edited by Cathi Hanuaer, and Mommy Wars, edited by Leslie Morgan Steiner.
A graduate of Simon’s Rock College at Bard, she and her husband have endowed three scholarships at the college in the fields of music and literature. She has been the recipient of several awards including the Hodder fellowship for emerging novelists at Princeton University and a National Endowment for the Arts fiction award. She speaks, reads and writes Spanish, but she is truly fluent in Spanglish. She lives with her husband and daughter in Hoboken, New Jersey.
Her most recent non-fiction book was Kickboxing Geishas: How Japanese Women are Changing their Nation. Her other non-fiction books include The Joy of Doing Things Badly: A Girl’s Guide to Love, Life, and Foolish Bravery. She has also written more than a dozen books for children, most recently Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa and the body confidence Y/A novel, Plus. Her teen series, Amigas, is a collaboration between Chambers, producer Jane Startz, and Jennifer Lopez.
Veronica spent two seasons as an executive story editor for CW’s hit series Girlfriends, and earned a BET Comedy Award for her script work on that series. She has also written and developed projects for Fox and the N.
Veronica has contributed to several anthologies, including the best-selling Bitch in the House, edited by Cathi Hanuaer, and Mommy Wars, edited by Leslie Morgan Steiner.
A graduate of Simon’s Rock College at Bard, she and her husband have endowed three scholarships at the college in the fields of music and literature. She has been the recipient of several awards including the Hodder fellowship for emerging novelists at Princeton University and a National Endowment for the Arts fiction award. She speaks, reads and writes Spanish, but she is truly fluent in Spanglish. She lives with her husband and daughter in Hoboken, New Jersey.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 17, 2021
I was grateful to receive a copy to review, and I love that the target audience is young readers, but to be honest, I learned quite a bit from this book myself. I was not aware of the history of the #blacklivesmatter movement, nor did I know anything about the three women that started it, and now I do. I loved the photos, and the way they showed how the history of past can inform the present. I highly recommend this book, not just for young readers, but honestly for everyone.
Thank you to Coriolis Company for my gifted copy to review!
Thank you to Coriolis Company for my gifted copy to review!
March 8, 2022
Was really good took me back a was excellent read
August 19, 2021
This is an incredible book detailing the history of The Black Lives Matter movement with facts, narratives and photos. It chronicles the start of the movement including the backstories of the 3 female founders as well as how the movement spread around the world, with photos of the protests and memorials from 2020 as the world awakened in a new way and we gained the most participation ever in civil rights movement protests.
This book can be read by children ages 10 & up but has great value for adults too.
Every home library should have a copy.
2020 was the year that our family first became active in Black Lives Matter protests and I love that we can use this book to continue discussions and learning about what it means to continue to show up to that movement.
The photos included add profoundly moving and give you a better sense of the expansive scope of this movement than anything else I’ve seen.
Cannot recommend this one enough. 5 stars!!!!
This book can be read by children ages 10 & up but has great value for adults too.
Every home library should have a copy.
2020 was the year that our family first became active in Black Lives Matter protests and I love that we can use this book to continue discussions and learning about what it means to continue to show up to that movement.
The photos included add profoundly moving and give you a better sense of the expansive scope of this movement than anything else I’ve seen.
Cannot recommend this one enough. 5 stars!!!!
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February 27, 2022Review: ARC via publisher
As often happens, I begin reading a book for enjoyment, then end up realizing the book would be fabulous in my classroom and end up reading the book as a teacher. As I read Call & Response: The Story of Black Lives Matter, the opposite happened. I knew before I started that I would most likely use this book as a supplemental in my classroom but as I continued to read, I really began to enjoy it. It was very informative, but told in a manner that was easy to read and entertaining. It read as if I was having a conversation with the authors about the history of the movement and the impact it had. I felt at home as I read, and learned, about the growth of the Black Lives Matter movement.
A compilation of a series of interviews, news articles, photos, etc., the book begins with a reflection on the summer of 2020 when the world came together to protest against police brutality and, for a moment, understood what the term Black Lives Matter means. Because this is a story of the movement, the book then gives us a history of how Alicia Garza, Opal Tometi, and Patrisse Cullors came to activism and ended up creating the Black Lives Matter hashtag and movement. Each of the three had already been activists on different personal causes and connected through a Black leadership network. Then, after George Zimmerman was acquitted of the murder of Trayvon Martin, in her grief Alicia Garza posted on Facebook “Black people. I love you. I love us. Our Lives Matter.” Then Cullors added to the post putting the famous hashtag #BlackLivesMatter. It took off from there. Tometi then suggested that the activists take it a step further by utilizing social media and the movement was born. For me, reading this story was fascinating because I didn’t know how the three started the movement. I remember the hashtag when it first appeared on social media and was moved by it, so learning how the three activists came together to create a world-changing movement was enlightening.
The book continues on to share the story of how Black Lives Matter movement grew while at the same time sharing comparisons to the Civil Rights movement. The book just didn’t give the basic “Civil Rights highlights” that schools give, but gave more in depth information about the strategies used by Civil Rights activists and how the leaders of the BLM movement used those same strategies but also improved upon them. The book also highlighted the Black Power movement and how those beliefs and strategies also influenced BLM. It was those sections that I felt would be extremely useful in the classroom so kids can learn about their history, told to them in a manner that speaks to them, rather than as a history book. The book also highlighted how musicians and artists are inspired by the movement and use their talents to bring about change. One favorite section of mine was the photo essay of the different murals that have been created referencing the BLM movement. There is even a playlist for both the Civil Rights movement and BLM in the book. I definitely intend on sharing some of those song with my students.
Lastly, this book is filled to the brim with pictures from the first protests, to Ferguson, to the summer of 2020. It is also filled with stories from folks who were on the ground of all ages. It highlights how BLM started with 3 women and grew to become a large network that included a diverse group of people to bring about change. The book ends with encouraging young people that they too have a voice and can use it. If you have young activists in your life, or want to encourage a teen to raise their voice, share with them this book. Let them learn how change happens and that they can be a part of the movement too.
As often happens, I begin reading a book for enjoyment, then end up realizing the book would be fabulous in my classroom and end up reading the book as a teacher. As I read Call & Response: The Story of Black Lives Matter, the opposite happened. I knew before I started that I would most likely use this book as a supplemental in my classroom but as I continued to read, I really began to enjoy it. It was very informative, but told in a manner that was easy to read and entertaining. It read as if I was having a conversation with the authors about the history of the movement and the impact it had. I felt at home as I read, and learned, about the growth of the Black Lives Matter movement.
A compilation of a series of interviews, news articles, photos, etc., the book begins with a reflection on the summer of 2020 when the world came together to protest against police brutality and, for a moment, understood what the term Black Lives Matter means. Because this is a story of the movement, the book then gives us a history of how Alicia Garza, Opal Tometi, and Patrisse Cullors came to activism and ended up creating the Black Lives Matter hashtag and movement. Each of the three had already been activists on different personal causes and connected through a Black leadership network. Then, after George Zimmerman was acquitted of the murder of Trayvon Martin, in her grief Alicia Garza posted on Facebook “Black people. I love you. I love us. Our Lives Matter.” Then Cullors added to the post putting the famous hashtag #BlackLivesMatter. It took off from there. Tometi then suggested that the activists take it a step further by utilizing social media and the movement was born. For me, reading this story was fascinating because I didn’t know how the three started the movement. I remember the hashtag when it first appeared on social media and was moved by it, so learning how the three activists came together to create a world-changing movement was enlightening.
The book continues on to share the story of how Black Lives Matter movement grew while at the same time sharing comparisons to the Civil Rights movement. The book just didn’t give the basic “Civil Rights highlights” that schools give, but gave more in depth information about the strategies used by Civil Rights activists and how the leaders of the BLM movement used those same strategies but also improved upon them. The book also highlighted the Black Power movement and how those beliefs and strategies also influenced BLM. It was those sections that I felt would be extremely useful in the classroom so kids can learn about their history, told to them in a manner that speaks to them, rather than as a history book. The book also highlighted how musicians and artists are inspired by the movement and use their talents to bring about change. One favorite section of mine was the photo essay of the different murals that have been created referencing the BLM movement. There is even a playlist for both the Civil Rights movement and BLM in the book. I definitely intend on sharing some of those song with my students.
Lastly, this book is filled to the brim with pictures from the first protests, to Ferguson, to the summer of 2020. It is also filled with stories from folks who were on the ground of all ages. It highlights how BLM started with 3 women and grew to become a large network that included a diverse group of people to bring about change. The book ends with encouraging young people that they too have a voice and can use it. If you have young activists in your life, or want to encourage a teen to raise their voice, share with them this book. Let them learn how change happens and that they can be a part of the movement too.
September 8, 2021
𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘦
Here's a book you should buy for it -
𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫
This 👏🏻 book 👏🏾is 👏🏿 amazing 👏👏🏽👏🏼
Through photographs, history, quotes and text, 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 takes readers on a journey through the Black Lives Matter movement - from its historical significance and origin, through its modern-day impact, to our future of young leaders and activists. Veronica Chambers and Jennifer Harlan of The New York Times have created this amazing work of non-fiction that timelines a history of systemic racism, and how the marches of today mirror the protests of the Civil Rights era. The variety and scope of information in this book is astounding.
Violence toward, and inequities of our Black neighbors continue. We have a long ways to go. 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 is the perfect book to keep that fire in your belly alive.
Read this while wearing your favorite BLM T-shirt.
Pairs well with drinking coffee at your coffee table.
Thank you, Nanda @coriolisco and @versifybooks @houghtonmifflinharcourt for this gifted book.
Here's a book you should buy for it -
𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫
This 👏🏻 book 👏🏾is 👏🏿 amazing 👏👏🏽👏🏼
Through photographs, history, quotes and text, 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 takes readers on a journey through the Black Lives Matter movement - from its historical significance and origin, through its modern-day impact, to our future of young leaders and activists. Veronica Chambers and Jennifer Harlan of The New York Times have created this amazing work of non-fiction that timelines a history of systemic racism, and how the marches of today mirror the protests of the Civil Rights era. The variety and scope of information in this book is astounding.
Violence toward, and inequities of our Black neighbors continue. We have a long ways to go. 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 is the perfect book to keep that fire in your belly alive.
Read this while wearing your favorite BLM T-shirt.
Pairs well with drinking coffee at your coffee table.
Thank you, Nanda @coriolisco and @versifybooks @houghtonmifflinharcourt for this gifted book.
February 13, 2022
This book blew me away. It's packed with captivating photographs and personal stories of the women who founded the Black Lives Matter movement as well as historical figures, artists, and others.
The book briefly explores the Civil Rights movement and draws connections between those marches and protests to the ones that have happened in the last few years. The information is comprehensive and gives a great overview of the events and the connections between them.
I also loved the sections that talked about music and art and their impact on the movement. The section detailing different roles of people at marches was also really cool-- I've never seen that breakdown done in a book before. It really highlighted how organized those events are and how many different opportunities there are for people who want to be involved.
All in all, this is such a great book. I recommend it for community libraries and for anyone who wants to have a greater understanding of the BLM movement.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.
The book briefly explores the Civil Rights movement and draws connections between those marches and protests to the ones that have happened in the last few years. The information is comprehensive and gives a great overview of the events and the connections between them.
I also loved the sections that talked about music and art and their impact on the movement. The section detailing different roles of people at marches was also really cool-- I've never seen that breakdown done in a book before. It really highlighted how organized those events are and how many different opportunities there are for people who want to be involved.
All in all, this is such a great book. I recommend it for community libraries and for anyone who wants to have a greater understanding of the BLM movement.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.
November 27, 2021
This is a potent nd important photo-easy history of the BLACK LIVES MATTER movement as well as the historic roots of public protest for civil rights that built the foundations for current events and marches. The CALL ADN RESPONSE aspect is an effective theme that epitomizes the nature of a community connected by their voices.
Very valuable and informative/inspiring for middle grade and up, all the way through to Boomers.
Very valuable and informative/inspiring for middle grade and up, all the way through to Boomers.
September 2, 2021
An essential history book that explores Black history and Black Lives Matter through incredible photographs, first hand accounts, biographical sketches, and detailed timelines. The presentation will really work for middle grade and older students. I think this is pretty near perfect as far as history books go.
October 18, 2021
Even though the target audience for this book is young adults, adults can learn a great deal from it, and should read it. Call and Response details the origins, goals and achievements of Black Lives Matter and its context within the Civil Rights Movement. The layout is attractive and engaging with great photographs, biographical sketches and detailed timelines. It is accessible and inspiring.
October 26, 2021
This is a gorgeous and informative book that is a size I found hard to hold while reading. I enjoyed the mix of photos and text and found the chapter topics very interesting. There are fun things like a throwback protest playlist and a BLM protest playlist.
I didn't love that the history section skipped from 1968 to 2012 with no comment.
Read for Librarian Book Group
I didn't love that the history section skipped from 1968 to 2012 with no comment.
Read for Librarian Book Group
January 19, 2022
So to be clear, this is Juvenile nonfiction. It caught my eye while I was checking in books (I work at a library). I wanted to educate myself on the Black Lives Matter movement, and this book did a very good job with engaging photographs and just the right mix of history, biography, and sociology.
April 23, 2023
This engaging Black Lives Matter primer documents the history of the movement with captioned full-color photographs, accessible text, topical insets, quotes, graphics, visual timelines, and brief interviews with Black Lives Matter leaders. Back matter includes further reading, acknowledgments, photo credits, selected bibliography, and index. (Gr 6 Up)
October 20, 2021
I liked the way this book was presented. It talked about the history, the outrage and even the lives of the Black population that were killed by the police. The pictures where true and justified. I would recommend this to anyone to read or even look at just the pictures.
Want to read
July 3, 2021Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
September 16, 2021
Beautifully laid out, engaging and eye-catching, but ultimately clear and informative.
February 2, 2022
This a very good book on activism, the story of the movement, the why, people behind the scenes and the history of civil rights. Definitely Recommend.
February 5, 2022
4.5 stars
May 2, 2022
Very informative and could work across all age groups or at least middle school on up. I learned a lot from this book!
January 12, 2023
Good information book about the activism of equality,lover the history of it and all the artworks that was done for this issue.
Read
December 4, 2023A very good overview of this movement.
December 29, 2021
This book is a great explanation of the Black Lives Matter movement. Honestly, I didn't know how it had started or who had started it.
It's a great overview and really looks at the different types of activism in the world and how important young voices are to the movement.
It's a great overview and really looks at the different types of activism in the world and how important young voices are to the movement.
January 20, 2023
Did you know that the Black Lives Matter movement was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021??? I didn’t!
I believe it’s so important that we understand what led to the many movements that have come about in the name of justice, equity, and equality. I actually picked this book up in the children’s section of the library! That being said, it lays out very clearly what the Black Lives Matter movement is and why it’s so incredibly important. It shares a time line and a comparative journey of the civil rights movement of the 50’s and 60’s to the events of today. In some ways, we’ve come so far as a country. In other ways, it’s a devastating repetition.
I believe it’s so important that we understand what led to the many movements that have come about in the name of justice, equity, and equality. I actually picked this book up in the children’s section of the library! That being said, it lays out very clearly what the Black Lives Matter movement is and why it’s so incredibly important. It shares a time line and a comparative journey of the civil rights movement of the 50’s and 60’s to the events of today. In some ways, we’ve come so far as a country. In other ways, it’s a devastating repetition.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews