“Thomas interviews athletes, coaches, and sports personalities as he covers topics related to activism from the sporting realm and how it is perceived in America. A necessary read.”
—Library Journal, A Best Book of 2018

“In We Matter, Thomas strives to show the influence professional athletes can have when they join the conversation on race, politics and civil rights. Thomas conducted 50 interviews, which included Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell, Laila Ali, Michael Bennett and Eric Reid, among many other athletes, as well as journalists, television personalities and family members of unarmed black men who were shot and killed. Thomas also explored his ties with the Wizards and spoke with John Wall, Bradley Beal and current majority team owner Ted Leonsis.”
—Washington Post

Winner of the African American Literary Awards Show’s Best Nonfiction Award for 2018!

“Former NBA player Etan Thomas releases the timely and necessary We Matter: Athletes and Activism, in order to add useful, relevant words to the conversation on athletes and their activism.”
—The Root

“In his new book, We Matter: Athletes and Activism, Thomas tirelessly interviews a range of people from NBA icons to the families of crime victims to illustrate the importance of athletes using their voice for more than just sports.”
—Athletes Quarterly

“Former Marquette University basketball player and 12-time NBA All-Star Dwyane Wade, along with Basketball Hall-of-Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (who played for the Milwaukee Bucks while he was still known as Lew Alcindor) are among more than 50 athletes, coaches, executives and media personalities featured in a timely new book exploring the intersection of sports and politics.”
—Isthmus

“In We Matter, former NBA player and poet Etan Thomas interviews a number of notable athletes, writers, and coaches in order to explore the world of athletes and activism . . . It is fascinating to read the thoughts of these figures that Thomas interviews and is a great primer on the intersection of sports and politics for beginners, while also containing much that will be revealing for those already well versed in these topics.
—Fansided, Included in A Black History Month sports reading list

“Thomas has spent his life examining inequities in America particularly as it relates to race and poverty. He’s spoken out against war, helped Oklahoma prisoners write poetry and rallied against police brutality . . . But, Thomas says he’s not alone: that social issues dominate what athletes talk about behind closed doors.”
—Tulsa World

“Thomas’ book focuses on the intersection of race and politics in sports. It features interviews with several Basketball Hall of Famers including Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson, countless NBA all-stars and the Suns’ Jamal Crawford. Beyond basketball, the book also addresses the NFL’s collusion case of embattled players Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid, as well as discussions with family members of police brutality casualties including Eric Garner, Philando Castile and Terence Crutcher.”
—Arizona Republic

“I applaud Etan Thomas’ We Matter because his voice is adding strength and courage to athletes in regard to speaking up and becoming more involved in the issues of social justice. His support is especially important to other professional athletes because they do have a larger platform with the ability to reach huge audiences.”
—Culture Honey

“An accessible collection of interviews and essays addressing racial profiling, the power and relevance of athletes’ voices, gender inequality, and mental health stigmas . . . In appealing and intelligent writing, Thomas encourages fans and athletes to share their voices and inspires thoughtful action through this well-timed and significant collection . . . An excellent resource to spark discussions and motivate positive community expression and involvement.”
—Library Journal

“A former NBA player and current activist . . . returns with a collection of dozens of interviews on the subject of race in America—all supporting the efforts of athletes to speak out and up . . . Voices of pain, anger, and hope resound through these pages—and through the reader’s heart.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“The honest conversations, published in transcript form and often accompanied by black-and-white photos, serve as a primer on recent police violence cases, a history lesson on the first athletes who stood up for racial justice, an examination of the experience of being young and black in the United States, and an insightful look at how it feels to lose a loved one to tragedy, from contributors such as Jemele Hill, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Carmelo Anthony . . . An important read, executed uniquely.”
—School Library Journal, STARRED Review

“Thought-provoking and often intensely moving reading.”
—Booklist

“This book should be required reading for anyone who wants to understand the voice of the modern athlete.”
—Brooklyn Fans

“Etan confronts our collective challenges and reminds us that life is not just a game, but demands a constant struggle for justice.”
—Amy Goodman, Democracy Now!