The Exceptional Negro: Racism White Privilege and the Lie of Respectability Politics

Lawyer. Mother. Elected Official. Target. Traci ONeal was thrust into the national spotlight in 2017 when local threats grew into a national racist outcry after a former GOP Presidential candidate singled her out on social media. What followed was a deeply disturbing and widespread campaign of hatred and egregiously racist attacks. The death threats harassment and vitriol reinforced what Traci had always understood - theres no room in white America for an Exceptional Negro.The Exceptional Negro: Racism White Privilege and the Lie of Respectability Politics tells the story of how Traci went from a black female attorney living a very solidly middle-class life feeling insulated from too much racism because of her education and socioeconomic status to the realization that it was all the lie of respectability politics and at the end of day she is still a negro in white Americas eyes albeit an exceptional one. The Exceptional Negro is a frank discussion of race law and politics. Through Tracis lens as a reformed Exceptional Negro she issues a call to action for white folks to dismantle systemic racism and more importantly for black folks to discuss and consider the Pro-Black Reconstruction Strategy to lessen dependence on Americas racist systems and thus the impact of racism in their lives. America expects black people to assimilate which by definition fixes whiteness as the standard. But what would happen if black people challenge and resist that notion?An award-winning fierce unwavering social justice advocate Traci D. ONeal is a frequent speaker on race law and politics as well as equity and leadership. Traci earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the School of Business & Industry at Florida A&M University and a Juris Doctor degree from The Ohio State University College of Law. Visit www.theexceptionalnegro.com for more information.