This book is a true gift, an exquisite testimony to the history, tenacity, foresight, and organizational skills of Black residents of East Texas “freedom colonies.” An engaging work narrated by an exceptional researcher and theorist, it uses a deep array of grounded investigation skills—including participatory action, storytelling, family history, and interviews—complemented by clear conceptualization, affecting photographs, and thoughtfully composed tables and charts. Roberts transports readers through a convincing explanation of residents’ homegrown “planning repertoires,” including practical ways of guarding land, community, and identity. Her work has the potential to transform how we think about community building, place making, and planning in marginalized communities, in many places far beyond Texas.