The Endorsements Behind Rashad Robinson’s ‘From Presence to Power’

Before Rashad Robinson’s new book reached shelves, it collected endorsements from some of the most recognized names in entertainment and advocacy, according to the book’s official page. “From Presence to Power: How to Take On the Fights That Matter and Win,” released July 28 through One World, an imprint of Penguin Random House, drew praise from actress and activist Jane Fonda, who called it “a must-read for anyone who wants things to change.”

Organizer Alicia Garza, a co-founder of Black Lives Matter, described the book as “the book everybody needs right now.” Author and political commentator Heather McGhee called it “a master class in real activism,” while historian Dr. Ibram Kendi wrote that “Robinson lays out a clear blueprint for making antiracist change.” Together, the endorsements point to a book aimed less at chronicling Robinson’s own career than at handing readers a working method.

That method rests on ten core principles the book lays out for modern change-making, addressing campaigns against technology companies, Hollywood and the political establishment alongside criminal justice reform efforts. The book frames its argument around a distinction Robinson has repeated across his book tour: presence, or visibility, is not the same as power, the ability to change institutional rules and decisions.

Robinson built that argument from two decades of movement work, including nearly 14 years leading Color Of Change and earlier advocacy work at GLAAD. He carried the same themes into a conversation at San Francisco’s Commonwealth Club and into a “Freedom Table” episode hosted by Alicia Garza and featuring organizer LaTosha Brown. He has also traced the book’s origins to his own upbringing on Long Island, a connection explored in reporting tied to his hometown. Beyond the endorsements, the book’s ten principles are pitched as tools for readers looking to move past protest alone and into organized, targeted action. The book is available now in hardcover, e-book and audiobook editions.

Before Rashad Robinson’s new book reached shelves, it collected endorsements from some of the most recognized names in entertainment and advocacy, according to the book’s official page. “From Presence to Power: How to Take On the Fights That Matter and Win,” released July 28 through One World, an imprint of Penguin Random House, drew praise…