"This brilliantly written, intellectually honest essay collection examines the complex manifestations of race in the contemporary context. It references academic research to support its claims, but its strength lies in confronting the past and present reality of Black dehumanization and devaluation in the United States with vivid facts and events. It deftly uses the evidence to expose the weaknesses of opposing arguments. It addresses difficult topics, such as Black self-hatred, the politics of homophobia in the Black community, sparring between Black intellectuals, sexism and violence against Black women. . . . This important book reminds us of the reckoning we face if we work to transcend racial animus and subjugation in this country. Nothing short of a broad-based commitment to action will eradicate racial injustice. We may not want to hear the book’s direct judgments and prescriptions, but they are what we need to hear to forge a way through the contemporary moment. In short, this book lives up to its title. Watson’s Keepin’ It Real is essential reading for all people—White, Black, young, old, conservative, liberal, domestic, foreign, justice proponents and naysayers—who want to know how we got here and how we might move forward toward a better state."