Dismantling Racism in the United States: Rooted in Slavery and the Fabric of American Society

Book info: Dismantling Racism in the United States: Rooted in Slavery and the Fabric of American Society (Hardcover, 290 pages) – Bloomsbury Academic, 2026. Language: English.

Unveiling the ways racist ideologies were deliberately constructed to sanction economic, emotional, and physical exploitation of Black Americans, this book examines how these stereotypes have been reinforced generationally. Shawn Blue, a specialist in trauma, diversity, and health and wellness studies, examines the structural foundation and psychological makeup of the transatlantic slave trade and its formation of a system of racial hierarchy that created and perpetuated multiple biases and stereotypes of Black Americans in contemporary society. Slavery, as an institutional concept, has created systemic inequities that shaped and continue to exert power in American society today. Blue offers recommendations for societal systems that create spaces for equitable care and treatment, provides necessary healing interventions for Black Americans, and reinforces a commitment to psychological theories that acknowledges the oppressed histories of Black LGBTQIA+ communities. She highlights changes that need to occur in order to restructure the scientific research field and enlist support from the practices of bystander-and-ally training, advocacy, and activism. Editorial Reviews Review “Shawn Blue's work stimulates thought-provoking exploration of systemic racism deeply rooted in this nation's history. Through historical analysis, this book explores the inhumanity of slavery and the deliberate construction of a racial hierarchy purposefully designed to disempower people of African descent. Bridging the past with the present, Blue shifts attention to modern-day institutional practices of racism, offering timely intervention at a time when those in positions of power strive to dismantle diversity and inclusion. I urge every reader to engage with this text, not only as a source of knowledge, but as a call to action for anti-racism and transformative change.” ―Karia Kelch-Oliver, Licensed Psychologist, Emory University, USA About the Author Shawn Blue is a Clinical Psychologist and Educator, who conducts individual, couples and group therapy and has specializations in grief, trauma, energy psychology, and eating disorders. She has particular interests in interpersonal relationships, diversity, energy work, and wellness programming.