The Origins of Critical Race Theory - by Aja Y Martinez & Robert O Smith (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Explores the lives and intellectual influences of the creators of Critical Race Theory

Critical race theory (CRT), a vital movement and discipline in American legal scholarship, has transformed our understanding of systemic racism. Yet despite insightful analysis revealing the threads of racism embedded in American institutions and society, it has been demonized by opponents at every turn, with numerous state legislators now seeking to ban its use in the classroom.

The Origins of Critical Race Theory weaves together the many sources of critical race theory, recounting the origin story for one of the most insightful and controversial academic movements in U.S. history. In addition to introducing readers to the tenets and key insights of critical race theory, Martinez and Smith explore the lives and intellectual influences of the movement's founders, shedding light on how the many components of critical race theory eventually formed into a movement.

Through archival research and interviews with scholars like Derrick Bell, Richard Delgado, and Jean Stefancic, Aja Y. Martinez and Robert O. Smith provide the personal side of critical race theory. They reveal that despite the Marxist menace it has recently been made out to be, critical race theory is an organic extension of the Civil Rights movement, a deeply human and deeply American response to ongoing systemic injustice and inequity. An insightful exploration into the story of a movement, The Origins of Critical Race Theory narrates the hidden influences, fascinating characters, and intellectual struggles that informed critical race theory's inception.

Review Quotes

"Critical Race Theory emerged from the brilliant minds of pioneering scholars, often the first of their kind in predominantly white, male legal institutions. Rather than conforming to expectations, they fearlessly exposed the systemic biases and contradictions within the American legal system. The Origins of Critical Race Theory offers intimate portraits of these courageous individuals, illuminating the struggles and triumphs that shaped their groundbreaking work. This essential read not only honors their legacy but also inspires future generations to challenge the status quo and pursue justice."--Beverly I. Moran, Vanderbilt Law School

"Rescuing critical race theory from prevalent reduction and attack, this volume uses historical story to illuminate the persons and ideas generating the richness and depth of critical race theory and its permanent messages for us all."--George H. Taylor, University of Pittsburgh School of Law

"The field of Critical Race Theory has become over-crowded and distorted in recent years, as many writers jump on the anti-CRT bandwagon or claim to use CRT as a badge of honor. Thankfully, this volume represents a serious and vital addition to the CRT cannon. Martinez and Smith have produced a rigorous, engaging and vitally important record of CRT's birth and development. The genius of the book is to present CRT through the stories of the people who have shaped and championed the approach. This book is absolutely essential for scholars of race inequity in the US and more widely. It is also a pleasure to read!"--David Gillborn, author of White Lies: Racism, Education, and Critical Race Theory

"Making extensive use of the Derrick A. Bell, Jr. Papers at New York University, interviews with other crucial Critical Race scholars such as Richard Delgado and Jean Stefancic, and a far-reaching use of interdisciplinary sources, Martinez and Smith provide comprehensive origin stories of Critical Race Theory in the Law...This original and all-encompassing work takes us down some important pathways as we train educators in all fields to understand the power of Critical Race Theory as we serve communities of color around issues of race, racism, and other forms of domination. Critical Race Scholars will be well served by this gift today and in the future."--Daniel Solórzano, author of Racial Microaggressions: Using Critical Race Theory to Respond to Everyday Racism

About the Author

Aja Y. Martinez (Author)
Aja Y. Martinez is Associate Professor of Latina/Latino Studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and author of the award-winning Counterstory: The Rhetoric and Writing of Critical Race Theory.

Robert O. Smith (Author)
Robert O. Smith is Assistant Professor of History at the University of North Texas and Enrolled Citizen of the Chickasaw Nation. He is the author of More Desired than Our Own Salvation: The Roots of Christian Zionism and Comprehending Christian Zionism: Perspectives in Comparison.