A historical and philosophical exploration of the impact of design on underserved communities, examining the field’s shortcomings as well as its potential to create positive change. Through essays that delve into history and practice, and case studies that demonstrate practical strategies, Design Against Racism explores how designers of all disciplines can address, through their work, the legacies of racism and oppression.

Design profoundly influences culture. The heart of this book is its powerful blend of essays on design history, illustrated case studies, and discussions of practical methods to approach design work, adapted from the restorative justice movement. It explores how design as a professional practice and academic discipline directly affects historically excluded communities, offering frameworks and examples that foster collective improvement.

Topics from author Omari Souza, founder of the annual State of Black Design conference, and contributing design professionals include:

• Unveiling the White Gaze: The Narrative of Whiteness and Colonial Nostalgia
• Language as a Tool for Marginalization—and Resistance
• Hip-Hop Architecture: Transforming Spaces through Culture and Innovation
• Afrofuturism as a Design Strategy
• Whose Knowledge Is It? Reclaiming Histories, Narratives, and the Plurality of Knowledge
• Nonhierarchical Engagement with Communities—Anti-Racist Design Community Pop-Up

This is a critique of design and a practical handbook that will teach designers and educators how a restorative justice approach can transform their design practice to counteract and fight racism.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Omari Souza is a first-generation American of Jamaican descent who was raised in the Bronx, NY. He is an Assistant Professor of Communication Design at the University of North Texas and organizer of the State of Black Design conference. He received his BFA in Digital Media from the Cleveland Institute of Art and his MFA in Design from Kent State University.

ABOUT THE HOST

Marshall Shorts is an educator, artist, designer, brand strategist, and community organizer who brings a design justice lens to every project. He the principal of Artfluential, a cultural branding & design studio that works at the intersection of design, justice, culture, and advocacy.

For the past 15 years, Marshall has led initiatives like Creative Control Fest, a conference that puts Black and POC creatives front and center. He wrote the Black Creatives Manifesto and helped start the Maroon Arts Group, showing his commitment to both creativity and activism through his board service and community work. 

 When protests erupted in 2020, Marshall started “Deliver Black Dreams,” bringing together artists, designers, city officials, and businesses to push for social change. The campaign’s message was simple but powerful: “Because Black Lives Matter, We must Deliver Black Dreams.” This work shaped his contribution to Take Part: Columbus Public Art Plan, where he handled branding and got the community involved. 

Marshall shares his ideas at conferences and has given two TEDx Talks, earning recognition for both his creative work and leadership. But what matters most to him is being there for his family and community – those relationships are his biggest success.