First published on November 22, 2011. In addition to 16 essays written for The Black Commentator (blackcommentator.com), the book includes an excerpt from the author's unpublished dissertation—The Autoethnography of An Activist: Racism and Sexism in Higher Education, along with an essay on Systems Thinking applied to racism plus sexism. Some of the essays included are from past writings and still have relevance to current issues making news, illustrating the kinds of social climates which exist or have existed. They serve as background information for broad discussion.

 In light of recent scandals and new social movements—especially the Black Lives Matter and Occupy movements and the mistreatment of protestors-- the sections on Penn State and California State University Sacramento will be of interest to many readers. 

This book is primarily directed to the attention of women of color and our allies, to stir discussions about our real circumstances and to urge courage to act on our own behalves. Think of Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth and all the other ancestors who struggled to be free themselves and to free others. For enslaved and oppressed people, as long as we are not free, as long as we do not have full equality, we have nothing. We have been on the bottom of this and most societies for centuries 

 

There are many ways to secure the changes we need, but doing nothing is not one of our options. Most of all, we need to understand what the situation really is, then assess the problems and decide on a focus for ourselves. Others cannot define our problems nor solutions to them.  Next, we must  find others with whom we can work in collaboration. We need to find those who can give us support and strength when we need help and comfort when we need to be reassured that we are not alone. For some people, that may mean marching, for others as in this book, it means developing plans and strategies to build new organizations and infrastructures that address and meet the needs of the grassroots, working class where most women of color are. We are the most often overlooked and left out. If we want to be free in our lifetimes, we must act while we are capable of acting, while we are alive. 

 

Purchases of The Constructive Extermination of Women of Color: Consequences of Perpetual Socio-Economic Marginalization, support the research represented in this book and more that is planned. It also supports celebrations of March 1st as Women of Color Day, artistic performances and collaborations. As sales are generated, so will our capacity to do other studies, produce other books, present new music and performances and assist other individuals and organizations.. 

 

Assistance is needed to get this work into libraries and curricula. Recommendations to faculty, staff, and administrations of schools, colleges and universities are needed, as are book signings, and speaking opportunities. We want to meet and speak with members of organizations interested in examining the unique experience of women of color ---who alone experience both racism and sexism. Inspired by the work of Ralph Ellison, Invisible Man, this book makes clear that it is time for invisible, marginalized women of color to be acknowledged. Until we have equality and justice, it does not exist. Equality and justice cannot be issued in pieces. Either we all have it or it does not exist. Women of color have been on the bottom of this society from its inception and have never moved from that lowest of socio-economic positions. It is time for us to get up from there and have freedom in our lifeftimes. 

 

The ISBN number of The Constructive Extermination of Women of Color is: 978-0-9848638-0-8. The price is $24.95 plus $5 shipping and handling within the US. For shipping charges for international purchases, email our office for information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Sacramento Library is the first in the US to own the new Expresso Printer by Xerox and to establish a community Print-On-Demand center—I Street Press. The Constructive Extermination of Women of Color is the first book to be printed by I Street Press. 

 

The Constructive Extermination of Women of Color can be purchased at I Street Press, Sacramento Main Library, 828 I Street, Sacramento, CA, through the International Association for Women of Color at this time. At the library, credit cards must be used. Books can be paid for then printed immediately or delivered for pickup there or at other Sacramento libraries. At this time, payments can be made via Paypal using credit cards or bank accounts via the following websites or email addresses: http://www.womenworldculture.com, http://www.womenofcolorday.com or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Purchases in California will also be subject to 7.750 retail sales tax ($1.93 per book).More information: email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The book is also available worldwide through E-net which has a current database of 3 million books.