Black Again, reads like an intimate personal conversation as it delves into the hard topic of colorism and its profound effects on Black children. Dr. LaTonya Summers’ deep empathy and her firsthand personal understanding of the effects of this issue shines through in every page as she skillfully blends personal relatable anecdotes, thoughtful analysis, and a heartfelt approach in telling her story. Black Again, brings to light the struggles that Black children are facing due to colorism while exposing its lasting influence on self-esteem, achieving personal dreams, and a sense of belonging. This is not just a book, but a rallying call to acknowledge and combat colorism’s impact. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a personal connection to this vital topic and a better understanding of its implications.

"Black Again" is a deeply moving and thought-provoking exploration of Black identity development, framed through the lens of an individual who embarked on a transformative, life-long journey of self-discovery. The narrative is honest and vulnerable, as Summers describes the challenges of navigating a world that often tried to erase her Blackness. Anyone who has a desire to embark on their own journey of racial identity development or seek to understand the lived experience of another will find this book riveting, informative, heartbreaking, and inspiring. What sets "Black Again" apart is Summers’ willingness to confront her own journey with unflinching self-reflection, holding back none of the challenges and triumphs that shaped her. She explores both pivotal moments in her life when she felt disconnected from her Black identity, delving bravely into the reasons behind her detachment. Throughout the book, Summers’ rediscovery of her Black identity is portrayed as a gradual and complex process. She seamlessly weaves in topics of power, privilege, religion, trauma, education, marriage, and parenting, each of which influenced and were impacted by her racial identity development. This emotional depth adds layers of authenticity to the narrative, making it profoundly relatable to readers from various backgrounds. “Black Again” is a poignant and illuminating must-read for anyone interested in understanding the intricacies of racial identity and the transformative power of self-discovery. The author's ability to navigate this complex terrain with honesty, empathy, and resilience is truly inspiring. This book is a testament to Summers own faith and power, the enduring nature of identity, and the strength it takes to reclaim one's roots.

I was captured within the first few paragraphs. I so grateful for the transparency. I immediately was able to relate, and the words took my back to my childhood of being a military child and wanted to " fit in" from wearing towels on my head to pretend i had longer finer hair. to listening to the music my "other" friends were listening to. Then moving on to the journey of Corporate America and how to “fit in” to move up in in my career. This book is a page turner tugging at your soul to want more. I am so honored to be able to read this journey and even more of an honor to submit a review. This is a must read through an amazing journey of acceptance of our identity. I have been waiting for the next book for years!!!

Dr. Summers portrays her search for identity and belonging as she describes different aspects of her life. I found her journey interesting and inspiring as she discovered how her past could be a source of strength when she was able to stop trying to fit in and was able to be true to herself. Dr. Summers writes in an engaging way and I was drawn into her story and felt as though I had made a new friend.

“Black Again” title reflects a cultural journey… however, the book is a reflection of a journey which encompasses a spiritual, emotional, educational, and intimacy journey. The transparency in the narration brings one to tears at times, followed by a intrinsic cheer as the author supersedes her challenges. This was an engaging read! Highly recommended!

Black Again is a phenomenal book full of gems that so many folks will benefit from learning! Dr. Summers does an amazing job outlining her journey from assimilation to embracing her blackness. One of the things I appreciated most was her descriptions of moving from self hatred to self love and how she truly began to embrace vulnerability. This book is a perfect depiction of her ability to be vulnerable and being honest even with her current challenges. As a white woman and counselor educator it continued to remind me of the importance of not making assumptions about my clients and/or students. She presented a great example of how to navigate racial dynamics and differences among clients, colleagues, family members, etc. Dr. Summers outlines all the folks that could benefit from this book, and she is not wrong! There truly is something for everyone in this book. I have always admired Dr. Summers' work, and all this will do is enhance her impact on all that come in contact with her and her writing.

When Dr. LaTonya Summers originally asked me to review her latest book Black Again: Losing and Reclaiming my Racial Identity, I was honored. After reading it, I am still honored and, honestly, I had to take time to figure out how to accurately and poignantly express my thoughts for this monumental literary accomplishment.

Her transparency, coupled with many “teachable moments”, resonated with me personally, as a person who too desired to be white. In addition, her life stories, along with the educational components drawn from various authors and theoretical frameworks, are prime opportunities for self-reflection and enlightenment, especially for those who may not be aware of their positioning within their racial identity development and/or those who are completely unaware of the struggle racial identity presents for others.

The desire to “pass” is real, and Dr. Summers gives voice to those who need help in returning home, literally and figuratively, to our rich intrinsic and historical heritage. Black Again addresses salient issues that are relevant to Blacks (and others) in not only today’s ever-changing landscape, but also for future generations of Black people, and, in particular, Black women and girls.

A line from the book best summarizes my feelings upon completion: “Reading this might make you want to call me selfish or self-centered, but I am proud that you would also have to call me well.” I, too, can say, I am well.

A Black Non-Fiction Spotlight✨❤️

📖 Black Again: Losing and Reclaiming My Racial Identity by: LaTonya Summers | 📅 Pub Day: Tuesday September 21, 2023

This book hit me where I hurt at points and made me chuckle at others. Growing up in a predominantly white community as a black child, teen, and woman I have always toed the line of assimilating to “fit in” or be “safe” and being Proud & Black. Thankfully with age, I have grown to be at peace with every part of myself and my heritage and I hope that everyone who’s ever struggling with becoming ‘Black Again’ gets to that final place and finds that peace.

My final thoughts: This book was highly relatable at points and also soul crushingly sad at others, 10/10 would recommend!

4.25⭐️

Thank you @netgalley and and Jessica Kingsley Publishing @jkpbooks for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I recently had the privilege of reading an exceptional book that delves deeply into the complex subject of being Black and assimilating in today's world. "Black Again" is an enlightening and thought-provoking exploration of the challenges, triumphs, and nuances that individuals of Black heritage face as they navigate the delicate balance between cultural assimilation and preserving their authentic selves. This book is empowering and insightful.

From the very beginning, the author skillfully weaves personal narratives, historical context, and thought-provoking analyses to paint a vivid picture of the multifaceted journey that many Black individuals embark upon. The stories shared within the pages of this book are not only relatable but also shed light on the universal struggle to fit into societal norms while staying true to one's cultural roots.

What sets "Black Again" apart is its ability to foster empathy and understanding among readers. The book skillfully underscores the importance of acknowledging the various layers of identity, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences while gaining insight into the experiences of others. Through the author's compelling storytelling, I found myself emotionally connected to the subjects, ultimately deepening my understanding of the challenges they face.

In summary, "Black Again" is a poignant, timely, and well-crafted exploration of the Black experience in the context of assimilation. It is a must-read for those seeking to broaden their perspectives, engage in conversations about identity, and gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the human journey.

This book was everything!!! OMG!!! It was transformative for me. It spoke to so many processes that I've gone through or currently going through in my identity development. It was an easy and yet interesting read. It kept the reader captivated and I did not want to put the book down. I highly recommend this book for all professionals because there is something for everyone in this book...from setting boundaries, to repairing ruptures in the relationship. THIS BOOK WAS SOOOOO GOOD!!!

Absolutely LOVED the book. Many of the experiences reminded me of my own childhood and the issue of being black enough. The author draws you in from the very first page. She made you want to know more about that little girl and her life. I couldn’t help but smile at the North Carolina references. Thank you for letting us in and I look forward to showing up at your book signing!

I was given the opportunity to read Dr. Summer’s book and I am glad I did! I respect Dr. Summers’ willingness to be vulnerable and share parts of herself with the world through this book. Sharing about her experiences as a Black individual in a world often tailored to White people was inspiring. I resonated with the theme of empowerment and appreciated hearing about Dr. Summers’ ability to reclaim her identity despite the many trials she faced. A truly thought-provoking read!

If you have ever wanted to better understand yourself as a racial being, this book has the structure and organization to you take the first step.

This book is the truth and there is nothing like it! A powerfully real and riveting account of self-discovery, reflection, and awareness.


Truly an inspirational and courageous lift. We all have a racial identity, and our development is connected to an internal “reckoning” to move with intention while living our truth and standing bold as we journey towards discovering who we are and loving ourselves unapologetically along the way.

If we are being honest with ourselves, how many of us that have worked in Corporate America for a number of years and have always been the ONLY has not felt that they can easily assimilate into another lifestyle and/or culture?

In her autobiography – Black Again – LaTonya takes us on a journey that began at an early age where goodness portrayed itself as other than. Her life lessons began at a university that was other than. She chose a profession that was other than. Many of her early mentors were other than. LaTonya has a magical way of helping US understand that, while she was reared in West Charlotte (can’t get no blacker than that), situations and circumstances caused her mind to switch into fight or flight mode. The fight was finding the strength to get herself removed from a bad situation, the flight was living life as what she perceived at the time as happiness. I really appreciated how LaTonya’s explanations of why coincided with all of the success that she was experiencing on a professional level. However, I appreciated more how when situations and circumstances began to creep into her personal space…and she began experiencing “the experience”… i.e., Trevon Martin, et al., that early West Charlotte living kicked right in. I appreciate this because a lot of people in her position would not have admitted out loud that they needed to right the ship and head back home.

I could go on but…you just need to read this jewel for yourselves…

Wow, wow, wow! This book has had me reassessing, reflecting, rethinking, reconsidering and most importantly reconfiguring how I view myself as a black women. Dr. Summers did an excellent job pulling me into her world so that I could not only see why she assimilated but how she unknowingly did it. Through that same lenses i was able to experience how and why she was able to find blackness and embrace it. This book has given me the courage and power to be my authentic “black” self in my world that is less welcoming of such courage and power.

As an educator I will definitely be sharing excerpts from this book to teach about identity, self awareness, perspective, and perseverance.

Well done Dr. Summers! I can’t wait to be a part of conversation this book is going to spark.

Thank you to NetGalley and Latonya Summers for this book. What a read.. The story Latonya tells will have you in disbelief. I appreciated every page, and I was excited to see how far she has come from the life that she battled and stayed so resilient. Her life is an inspiration not just for everything she’s overcome, but for the specialist that she is today. Thank you for your story and thank you for sharing it with the world so we can learn how it is to persevere..

LaTonya Summers powerfully delivers a deep and insightful look into her own life while making us face some hard truths about ours. This introspective deep dive makes us all consider our own blackness. With such a poignant look at her story, it is revealed that we are more similar than different. After reading this book, it is evident that we all want the same thing….to be accepted for who we are. With such raw admissions, Summers gives us a detailed road map of how freeing letting go can be and how reclaiming what is ours ensures the world knows that being Black is indeed a beautiful thing.

Being one generation removed from the civil rights movement and growing up in the same era as LaTonya, I resonated with the book “Black Again.” From her traumatic upbringing, the neighborhood of family, the desire to escape the harshness of realities, to believing that “whiteness” could deliver a route to freedom, she brings home the fact that life’s circumstances can contort our views. Children have a difficult time making sense of the world without guidance. They tend to make inner vows based on their experiences, as she did, that their life will not continue the path that it started by any means necessary. She gives us a peek of her thoughts and lenses starting at age 4 till the present day. Her desire to “be free” in life over time became her “entrapment” of escapism. We all desire to be free. The revelation LaTonya reveals, by allowing us to see behind the veil of her life, is the emancipation to be free to be authentically ourselves! Black and proud!

LaTonya Summers has written her life story for all to read and learn from and it's amazing. From her devastating childhood to her ways of trying to assimilate into whiteness to her courage to learn to embrace her blackness, this story will wrap you in so tight. LaTonya helps you to picture how she saw herself as a child and young adult through her eloquent descriptions. Her lessons in life end up teaching you those same lessons and want to protect her from everything she's experienced. This is a story that starts out heartbreaking and ends with life lessons for all.

I had the opportunity to read an e-ARC of this memoir and I can’t tell you how much this book spoke to my heart. Dr. Summers’ memoir is heartbreakingly poignant and beautifully written. She speaks to the pain inflicted on her in her youth by others which morphed into the painful things she would later inflict on herself in the guise of overcoming her circumstances. So much of this book resonated with me as a multicultural individual who has often felt disconnected from one or the other of my cultures at any given time. Black Again is the beginning of a conversation we need to be having. I am so grateful that Dr. Summers was open to being vulnerable and transparent in her journey and willing to share what she has learned with the rest of us. Thank you NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for sending me this e-ARC for my honest review.