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Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man by Emmanuel Acho
Genre: Non-Fiction on Racism | 256 Pages | Published: 11.10.20 by Flat Iron Books
Book Jacket Synopsis:
“You cannot fix a problem you do not know you have.” So begins Emmanuel Acho in his essential guide to the truths Americans need to know to address the systemic racism that has recently electrified protests in all fifty states. “There is a fix,” Acho says. “But in order to access it, we’re going to have to have some uncomfortable conversations.”
In Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man, Acho takes on all the questions, large and small, insensitive and taboo, many white Americans are afraid to ask—yet which all Americans need the answers to, now more than ever. With the same open-hearted generosity that has made his video series a phenomenon, Acho explains the vital core of such fraught concepts as white privilege, cultural appropriation, and “reverse racism.”
In his own words, he provides a space of compassion and understanding in a discussion that can lack both. He asks only for the reader’s curiosity—but along the way, he will galvanize all of us to join the antiracist fight.
Book Links: Amazon
Favorite Quotes
- “Ending racism is not a finish line that we will cross. It’s a road we’ll travel.”
- “Being an ally means showing up.”
- “As with systemic racism, the issues are countless, but so are the ways to help.”
- “We will never achieve a post-racial America as long as the gears of systemic racism continue to churn.”
Review & Thoughts
Racial Equity Project Notes: I have the great joy of working for a company that truly cares about employees are providing opportunities to further our personal and professional growth and development. One such program includes diversity and inclusion initiatives. I was recently invited to join an 8 week program called Unpacking Race and Racism. It was well-structured and the course work included the book Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man by Emmanuel Acho in addition to supplemental videos and of course, uncomfortable conversations.
As part of the program we were asked to create a racial equity project that focused on something we are passionate about. As you all know, I’m a major book lover and knew I wanted to incorporate my love of reading into my project. I decided to create a Lending Library at my company’s local office. I created a proposal and had a financial budget approved to purchase new books to kick-off the library with books that covered a range of diverse topics and authors. I officially launched the library last week and it’s been well-received by my colleagues. I intend for the library to be an informal give and take of books to encourage the love of reading and furthering conversation about books and personal growth.
Review Notes:
Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man is an absolute must-read. It’s informative, well-researched, emotional, well-structured, powerful and thoughtful. Emmanuel’s book is easy to read and extremely eye-opening. I can’t stop recommending this book to everyone that enjoys reading!
I’ll never look at having uncomfortable conversations in quite the same way ever again. I look forward to continuing to have uncomfortable conversations and continuing to work towards becoming an anti-racist white ally for my diverse peers in all regards. It’s not enough to not be racist, we have to actively work towards being anti-racist and doing what we can to support one another.
Recommend for: This is a must-read for all. | My Review Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
Book Format & Source: Hardback copy gifted from participating in a course on racism with work; Unpacking Race and Racism
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