On the Other Side of Freedom

The Case for Hope

By: DeRay Mckesson

Narrated by: DeRay Mckesson

"On the Other Side of Freedom reveals the mind and motivations of a young man who has risen to the fore of millennial activism through study, discipline, and conviction. His belief in a world that can be made better, one act at a time, powers his narratives and opens up a view on the costs, consequences, and rewards of leading a movement." (Henry Louis Gates, Jr.)

Named one of the best books of the year by NPR and Esquire

Finalist for the Lambda Literary Award

From the internationally recognized civil rights activist/organizer and host of the podcast Pod Save the People, a meditation on resistance, justice, and freedom, and an intimate portrait of a movement from the front lines.

In August 2014, 29-year-old activist DeRay Mckesson stood with hundreds of others on the streets of Ferguson, Missouri, to push a message of justice and accountability. These protests, and others like them in cities across the country, resulted in the birth of the Black Lives Matter movement. Now, in his first book, Mckesson lays down the intellectual, pragmatic, and political framework for a new liberation movement. Continuing a conversation about activism, resistance, and justice that embraces our nation's complex history, he dissects how deliberate oppression persists, how racial injustice strips our lives of promise, and how technology has added a new dimension to mass action and social change. He argues that our best efforts to combat injustice have been stunted by the belief that racism's wounds are history, and suggests that intellectual purity has curtailed optimistic realism. The book offers a new framework and language for understanding the nature of oppression. With it, we can begin charting a course to dismantle the obvious and subtle structures that limit freedom.

Honest, courageous, and imaginative, On the Other Side of Freedom is a work brimming with hope. Drawing from his own experiences as an activist, organizer, educator, and public official, Mckesson exhorts all Americans to work to dismantle the legacy of racism and to imagine the best of what is possible. Honoring the voices of a new generation of activists, On the Other Side of Freedom is a visionary's call to take responsibility for imagining, and then building, the world we want to live in.

©2018 DeRay Mckesson (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"By turns lyrical reflection and practical handbook, On the Other Side of Freedom reveals the mind and motivations of a young man who has risen to the fore of millennial activism through study, discipline, and conviction. His belief in a world that can be made better, one act at a time, powers his narratives and opens up a view on the costs, consequences, and rewards of leading a movement." (Henry Louis Gates, Jr.)

“Hope and insight and empathy spring from every page of On the Other Side of Freedom. DeRay McKesson cools our fears of the struggle, ever guiding us on how to struggle. He stares down the faces of bigotry and unfreedom and cynicism and doesn’t flinch in writing out our marching orders toward freedom.” (Ibram X. Kendi, National Book Award-winning author Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America)

"A poetic, passionate, and deeply personal book." (The Washington Post)

I am convinced times are changing...

DeRay McKesson's voice is unique and his story is compelling. His arguments are clear and ring true to me on so many levels. He (and his vest) are doing the heavy lifting. The group of protestors in this movement are a force to be reckoned with and have forever made an impression on me. I am grateful for people who do more than watch. He is a truly a leader and voice I'll continue to listen for.

Excellent book

Great book by Deray. He is a beacon of hope in these difficult times! Highly recommend!

Inspiring us toward reconciliation

DeRay is so brave. From tackling concepts like white privilege and police brutality to breaking down the steps to organize and contribute to change, this book takes us forward on philosophy but also inspires - even demands - drastic change.

DeRay also reveals his own story. Being jailed, sued, maligned not just for what he does, but who he is and how he was born, but yet, overcoming that. Finding his voice in challenging circumstances and helping all of us to find ours too. Thanks, DeRay!

Thoughtful ideas and powerful stories

stories built around personal experience and deeply thoughtful discussion on various powerful ideas which can challenge you .

Moving story by community hero

The author has a very moving story to tell. He also narrates it - great to hear his voice despite his rather hurried style. The book is not very long and that’s good compared to many other audiobooks that are twice as long. An essential history for today.

Everyone should listen to this.

This was an extremely powerful book. I believe people of all beliefs should listen to what he has to say. You don’t have to agree. Just. Listen.

Well-written, inspired, and inspiring.

This is an impressively well-thought-out book on fighting for justice and change. It is profound and inspirational, yet remarkably balanced and level-headed. Well done.

Sharp mind and great memoirs

Mckesson offers insight into the thoughts behind many modern protests. Additionally he explains his 'why' and epiphanies he's had along the way.

I heard him in an interview and was impressed by his reasoning and argument skills as well as his humility in not accepting founder-status in Ferguson, but instead rightfully giving credit to the 1000s on the ground.

Exceiient story and narration

This book helped the reader understand the process the author went through to become an activist and inspired empathy for the cause.

Absolutely eloquent

McKesson is a wonderful spokesperson about so many things that need to be discussed these days