logo

33 pages 1 hour read

The Devil You Know: A Black Power Manifesto

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2021

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Charles M. Blow

The Devil You Know

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • Contemporary

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Devil You Know: A Black Power Manifesto by Charles M. Blow argues that for Black Americans to achieve self-determination, they should migrate en masse to the American South, create a majority, and wield substantial political power to dismantle white supremacist structures from within. The author proposes this reverse migration to nine southern states where Black populations already have significant influence, aiming for a regional bloc capable of transformative change. The book touches on themes of violence, racial prejudice, and historical injustice.

Informative

Inspirational

Challenging

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

4.5

3,816 ratings

92%

Loved it

6%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Charles M. Blow’s The Devil You Know offers a thought-provoking examination of racial justice and migration. Praise highlights its compelling call to action and incisive critique of systemic inequalities. Some readers, however, find the proposals overly idealistic. Overall, its powerful message and persuasive arguments make it a significant read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Devil You Know?

Readers who would enjoy The Devil You Know by Charles M. Blow are likely interested in social justice, African American history, and contemporary race relations. Comparable to those who appreciate Ta-Nehisi Coates's Between the World and Me and Ibram X. Kendi's How to Be an Antiracist, this book appeals to those seeking personal narratives and actionable insights on racial equity.

4.5

3,816 ratings

92%

Loved it

6%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

Charles M. Blow

An award-winning journalist and op-ed columnist for The New York Times, known for his commentary on racial issues and Black empowerment. He proposes a strategy for Black regionalism to bolster political influence and community strength.

Referenced as an influencer who advocates for radical thinking, inspiring Blow's theory of Black regionalism. His call to action motivates Blow to develop his agenda for change.

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • Contemporary

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.