In this lively, accessible, and provocative collection, Aph and Syl Ko provide new theoretical frameworks on race, advocacy for nonhuman animals, and feminism. Using popular culture as a point of reference for their critiques, the Ko sisters engage in groundbreaking analysis of the compartmentalized nature of contemporary social movements, present new ways of understanding interconnected oppressions, and offer conceptual ways of moving forward expressive of Afrofuturism and black veganism.
“The bold wisdom of Syl and Aph Ko is timely and crucial. They help us re-think the concept of the ‘human’ and the ‘animal,’ calling on scholars and activists to truly understand taxonomies of power. Their feminist sensibilities encourage a deconstruction of Eurocentric understandings of race and species that changes the terms of debates about both.”—Lori Gruen, author, Entangled Empathy
“Aphro-ism is a triumph for anti-racist and animal rights activism! Aph and Syl have created a brilliant framework through which we can integrate all aspects of anti-oppression work. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in dismantling systems of oppression!”—Brenda Sanders, Open the Cages Alliance
“Now, more than ever, is the time to engage in critical thinking and an honest consideration of what is. Reading the work of Aph Ko and her sister Syl within the pages of Aphro-ism will build the perfect foundation needed for activists or anyone wanting to end the oppression of all, by not being the oppressor of one.”—Seba Johnson, Olympian, activist, and vegan since birth
“Aph and Syl Ko’s work has deeply changed my views on activism for the animals. Every time, their work is eye-opening, revisiting the connections between animal liberation and human liberation in a way that is as much critical as constructive and inspiring.”—Frederic Cote-Boudreau, Quebec-based activist, scholar, and blogger
“Aphro-ism is an important read for anyone who is interested in thinking critically and wants to help to not only challenge but change the current dynamic of race and animals in our society. Thanks to these brilliant women of color, I’ve gained a new understanding of systems of oppression and feel less alone in the fight for social justice.”—lauren Ornelas, Founder/Executive Director, Food Empowerment Project
“The Ko sisters are miles ahead of even the most progressive thinkers, with Aphro-ism establishing a theoretical framework and #BlackVegansRock demonstrating its practicability. There’s no better metaphor for the failures of white supremacist capitalism than mortar, since it is the white slime that holds stone together. When the mortar cracks the whole building falls apart. Aph and Syl Ko are the stone. Crack them a thousand times and they remain unbroken.”—Rich Goldstein, Producer, The Daily Beast
“Aph and Syl’s anti-racist and anti-speciesist framework shifts the paradigm of nonhuman and human liberation. Aphro-ism is a revolutionary tool for holistic anti-oppression work that can benefit both grassroots activists and academic scholars.”—Raffi Ciavatta, Cofounder, Collectively Free, and activist
“Aph and Syl Ko are incredible activists and revolutionary thinkers who have influenced the way we approach animal rights and anti-racist activism. Aphro-ism has taught us to view oppression and liberation through a much clearer lens.”—David and Paige Carter, Co-CEOs and Cofounders, The 300-Pound Vegan
“Syl Ko provides a crucial perspective to the movements seeking to secure rights for humans and nonhumans alike. As she so eloquently demonstrates, we should not treat human beings like ‘animals’ any more than we should treat animals like ‘animals.’ Syl’s scholarship challenges us to reassess the standing social order and work toward a more just world.”—Steven M. Wise, Founder and President, The Nonhuman Rights Project
“Aphro-ism is a groundbreaking suite of original essays on the entanglements of race, empire, gender, and species. In their analyses of human and animal oppression, Aph and Syl Ko deliver the trifecta: scholarship that is rigorous, accessible, and deeply important.”—Jason Wyckoff, PhD
“Aph and Syl’s brilliant work is laying the groundwork for an exciting new millennial generation of deeply critical and compassionate thinkers, feminists, and activists. Aphro-ism is helping countless young, hungry critical thinkers navigate through a world of ‘isms,’ make sense of endless contradictions, and come out the other side as more well-equipped, effective, woke activists.”—Richard Bowie, editor at VegNews magazine
“Aphro-ism is paradigm-shattering! Whether your social justice lens leans single-issue or multi-issue, these essays offer razor-sharp critiques of hierarchical foundations and systemic oppression, while also providing frameworks for broad-scale liberation. This book is a vital companion for anyone willing to challenge surface-level ‘connections’ theories in exchange for deep, nuanced insights that have stratospheric potential for creating a more just world.”—Dawn Moncrief, founder, A Well-Fed World
“Aph and Syl Ko have opened my eyes and my mind to the connection between ethical veganism and anti-racism activism. They never fail to inspire and blow my mind with their critical analysis on race and animality.”—Jenne Claiborne, vegan chef, Sweet Potato Soul
“With Aphro-ism, Aph and Syl Ko have added their profound and revolutionary voices to a tradition of critical thinking around liberation, veganism, animal rights, anti-racism, and feminism. This is a sumptuous and necessary read that deepens the conversation and, most importantly, offers another way forward.”—Tracye McQuirter, MPH, author of By Any Greens Necessary
