There's something very special about the way Ta-Nehisi Coates writes. He seamlessly weaves his worldview into detailed, fact-based reporting on highly complex social systems. His voice is weighty and crucial as he explores American history and what it inevitably teaches us about our grim future. I appreciate that Coates' works are rich with emotion and raw with honesty. Coates wrestles with his own thoughts, the thoughts of intellects who came before him, and is never satisfied with easy answers (especially answers created to lull the conscience of the masses) . He has no shame in calling out White America and everyone/everything that contributes to the protection of what he calls the "bloody heirloom" i.e. whiteness.

After Obama's eight years in office he ultimately lands on a pessimistic view that we as a country, are never going to address the spiraling harms birthed from centuries of oppressing black people and the reparations that should be due as a result. Coates believes resistance is necessary and good in and of itself, regardless of whether it achieves any form of "progress." Actually, Coates doesn't seem to believe much in progress at all. Although I don't fully subscribe to Coates' worldview, I appreciate his voice, perspective, diligence, and honesty.