"And don't call me a racist!" A treasury of quotes on the past, present, and future of the color line in America / Selected and arranged by Ella Mazel

How big is the book?
It's a 176-page paperback, approximately 8 inches square, and weighs in at 3/4 of a pound.

Why did you give books away?
Free distribution -- through civil rights organizations, schools, churches, communities, and other non-profits that can use the book for educational purposes in their anti-racism work -- seemed like the best way to get the book into the hands of the maximum number of people who might not otherwise have access to it.

How do I download the book?
Please see Get the book for details.

Is the book available anywhere else?
It shouldn't be, since it is not for sale.

How many books have you distributed, and to whom?
Since publication in November 1998, more than 500,000 copies have been shipped on request to over 3,000 organizations and institutions in all but one state. (Wyoming, where are you?) Many recipients have re-ordered repeatedly. For ideas on its multipurpose possibilities, see How people are using the book.

Can you tell me something about yourself?
I'm a graduate of Hunter College in New York City, B.A. 1938, by profession an editor and book designer. (I'm also the mother of four, and grandmother of five.) In 1941, I wrote an article for The New York Times on Dean Dixon, a brilliant young musician, the first black to be guest conductor of a major symphony orchestra. (Unable afterwards to land a permanent conducting job in the U.S. because of the color barrier, he joined the many self-exiled blacks who achieved successful careers in Europe.) Since then, I have worked on various "projects," of which the most relevant was another labor of love, the editing and design of Philip S. Foner's Paul Robeson Speaks: Writings, Speeches, Interviews in 1978. My most recent effort is "Not in MY name!" A collection of quotes on the past, present, and future of the practice of torture, which is available only on line.

What inspired you to do this book?
It was more like a kick in the stomach than a light-bulb flash of inspiration. In a casual dinner conversation with a new acquaintance, I mentioned having just read Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. I was shocked when this seemingly nice, intelligent, jovial man burst into an angry tirade of anti-black clichés, which ended with the disclaimer, "And don't call me a racist!" The incident -- combined with my lifelong feelings about social justice and my experience as an editor and book designer -- "inspired" the book, and its title.

How long did it take?
I spent about a year reading, selecting, copying, keyboarding, arranging, designing, indexing, unearthing illustrations, preparing camera-ready pages, and producing the book. The first copies arrived from the printer just in time for my 80th birthday.

Are you available as a speaker?
Sorry, no. Though I would love to participate in many activities I've been invited to around the country, it's just too hard for me to travel. But thanks for asking. I'd be happy, however, to recommend an experienced, effective speaker / facilitator on all aspects of diversity.

Can I contact you?
You can call me at 978-369-2272 (from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern time) or send e-mail addressed to ella@ellamazel.org, with Yellow book in the subject of the e-mail. If you would like me to respond, please include your phone number. Thank you.

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