The Origins of Critical Race Theory

Aja Y. Martinez (Author) Aja Y. Martinez is Associate Professor of Latina/Latino Studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and author of the award-winning Counterstory: The Rhetoric and Writing of Critical Race Theory. Robert O. Smith (Author) Robert O. Smith is Assistant Professor of History at the University of North Texas and Enrolled Citizen of the Chickasaw Nation. He is the author of More Desired than Our Own Salvation: The Roots of Christian Zionism and Comprehending Christian Zionism: Perspectives in Comparison.

"Making extensive use of the Derrick A. Bell, Jr. Papers at New York University, interviews with other crucial Critical Race scholars such as Richard Delgado and Jean Stefancic, and a far-reaching use of interdisciplinary sources, Martinez and Smith provide comprehensive origin stories of Critical Race Theory in the Law...This original and all-encompassing work takes us down some important pathways as we train educators in all fields to understand the power of Critical Race Theory as we serve communities of color around issues of race, racism, and other forms of domination. Critical Race Scholars will be well served by this gift today and in the future." - Daniel Solorzano, author of Racial Microaggressions: Using Critical Race Theory to Respond to Everyday Racism "Critical Race Theory emerged from the brilliant minds of pioneering scholars, often the first of their kind in predominantly white, male legal institutions. Rather than conforming to expectations, they fearlessly exposed the systemic biases and contradictions within the American legal system. The Origins of Critical Race Theory offers intimate portraits of these courageous individuals, illuminating the struggles and triumphs that shaped their groundbreaking work. This essential read not only honors their legacy but also inspires future generations to challenge the status quo and pursue justice." - Beverly I. Moran, Vanderbilt Law School "Rescuing critical race theory from prevalent reduction and attack, this volume uses historical story to illuminate the persons and ideas generating the richness and depth of critical race theory and its permanent messages for us all." - George H. Taylor, University of Pittsburgh School of Law "The field of Critical Race Theory has become over-crowded and distorted in recent years, as many writers jump on the anti-CRT bandwagon or claim to use CRT as a badge of honor. Thankfully, this volume represents a serious and vital addition to the CRT cannon. Martinez and Smith have produced a rigorous, engaging and vitally important record of CRT's birth and development. The genius of the book is to present CRT through the stories of the people who have shaped and championed the approach. This book is absolutely essential for scholars of race inequity in the US and more widely. It is also a pleasure to read!" - David Gillborn, author of White Lies: Racism, Education, and Critical Race Theory "[Martinez and Smith] put faces and features on the foundation and interwoven relationships of the development of critical race theory (CRT)... This absorbing narrative with textbook clarity is a must for readers interested in the facts of CRT and how it understands the U.S. legal and political systems' impact on systemic racial inequality. Highly recommended." (Library Journal, STARRED)