Book Review: Outlanders: Hidden Narratives from Social Workers of Colour from Black and Other Global Majority Communities by Wayne Reid and Siobhan Maclean (eds)

Abstract

activism (Chapter 2), broader formal attempts to acknowledge and address inequality (Chapter 13) and allied health professions, namely occupational therapy (Chapter 14). Whilst the focus of the book is largely on black lives and communities, it also discusses other racially discriminated groups, including Roma, Gypsy and Traveller (Chapter 7), and Jewish (Chapter 8), communities. Each chapter is accessible, written clearly, and to the point. This is not to say the book is comfortable reading, however. The book is uncomfortable to read, but then talking about racism should be. In conclusion, this book would be beneficial to a range of audiences. In Chapter 4, regarding the motivation behind her activism, Social Work student Diana, a young black woman, says ‘I didn’t allow them [the social work community/university] a moment to breathe, because I don’t have a moment to breathe’ (p. 25). There is no role in Social Work where you can afford to ignore this statement. If you are student, Diana is your fellow student and future colleague. If you are an educator, Diana is your student. If you are an organisation, Diana will be your employee. The onus is not on Diana to educate, it is on white people – at all stages of their careers – to take the time to stop, listen, learn and act. This book will aid with the above. It is just so timely, in both content and style.