Design Against Racism

This is a new book. Condition: Brand New.

A historical and philosophical exploration of the impact of design on underserved communities, examining the field's shortcomings as well as its potential to create positive change. Through essays that delve into history and practice, and case studies that demonstrate practical strategies, Design Against Racism explores how designers of all disciplines can address, through their work, the legacies of racism and oppression.

Design profoundly influences culture. The heart of this book is its powerful blend of essays on design history, illustrated case studies, and discussions of practical methods to approach design work, adapted from the restorative justice movement. It explores how design as a professional practice and academic discipline directly affects historically excluded communities, offering frameworks and examples that foster collective improvement.

Topics from author Omari Souza, founder of the annual State of Black Design conference, and contributing design professionals include:

Unveiling the White Gaze: The Narrative of Whiteness and Colonial Nostalgia
Language as a Tool for Marginalization-and Resistance
Hip-Hop Architecture: Transforming Spaces through Culture and Innovation
Afrofuturism as a Design Strategy
Whose Knowledge Is It? Reclaiming Histories, Narratives, and the Plurality of Knowledge
Nonhierarchical Engagement with Communities-Anti-Racist Design Community Pop-Up

This is a critique of design and a practical handbook that will teach designers and educators how a restorative justice approach can transform their design practice to counteract and fight racism.

TIMELY AND ESSENTIAL TOPICS: Thought-provoking essays from leaders in design diversity offer an anti-racist approach to design practice based in an understanding of history, a focus on community building, and a commitment to inclusion.

AUTHOR & CONTRIBUTORS: Omari Souza is an Assistant Professor of Communication Design at the University of North Texas and co-host of the highly acclaimed minisode podcast The Design of Business | The Business of Design. Contributors include preeminent design professionals George Fourlas, Shamika Klassen, Kaleena Sales, Zariah Cameron, Lesley-Ann Noel, Cassini Nazir, Yolanda A. Rankin, Soniyah Robinson, and Danielle Lake.

Perfect for:

Student and professional design practitioners of all disciplines, including graphic designers, product designers, architects, and more
Course adoption for design programs
Anyone eager to explore the themes of anti-racism and decolonizing design

Book details and technical specifications

Format: Paperback / softback
ISBN13: 9781797223582
Published: November 2025

Number of pages: 256
Width: 152 mm
Height: 229 mm
Depth: not specified

Publisher: Chronicle Books