From Tamika D. Mallory, trailblazing social justice leader, movement strategist, globally recognized civil rights activist, and cofounder of the historic Women’s March on Washington and Until Freedom—an unflinching history of American systemic racism, a first-hand view of what makes for effective activism today, and a vision for lasting, positive change. In the wake of the recent killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of police, the nation has erupted in a series of protests. Now, civil rights activist Tamika Mallory traces the path of history that has brought the United States to this tense and complex time of activism and resistance. With clear, concise language and eye-opening examples from our nation’s past, Tamika Mallory examines the people and policies that have created the country’s militarized and racially biased systems of criminal justice, social services, and economic policy. Based on her personal experience of working to promote equality, Mallory also offers accessible and inspirational guidance that shows how to effectively fight for positive change in a country that has never seen a wider gap between its wealthy and its poor, its empowered and its marginalized, or its citizenry and its ruling class of police and politicians. Steeped in history and informed by in-depth investigative research and on-the-ground reporting, State of Emergency is a fresh take on racial justice and an urgent call to action. An Atria Book. Atria Books has a great book for every listener. "An impassioned look at racial injustice in America...Shifting between outrage, hope, and resolute determination, this call to action will resonate with readers." -- "Publishers Weekly" "An urgent call for racial justice that demands attention, discussion, and action." -- "Kirkus Reviews (starred review)" "Gives us the words and tools to fight for the justice our families deserves." -- "Tamika Palmer, mother of Breonna Taylor" "A masterful book...Reaffirms the urgency of the current state of Black people in America and the power we all have to win transformative change." -- "Marc Lamont Hill, author of We Still Here" Tamika D. Mallory is a trailblazing social justice leader, movement strategist, globally recognized civil rights activist, cofounder of Until Freedom and the historic Women’s March on Washington, and author of State of Emergency . She served as the youngest ever Executive Director of the National Action Network. Her speech in the wake of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota—entitled “State of Emergency”—was dubbed “the speech of a generation” by ABC News. Mallory is an expert in the areas of gun violence prevention, criminal justice reform, and grassroots organizing.