We have slowly transitioned to this “new normal” over the last two months. In between work and school, I have had extra time for reading. Some books have been for academic purposes, while others have been for personal enjoyment. It have enjoyed sitting down to just read.
White Fragility
I found out about this book late last year after attending an educational conference for people of color. White Fragility by Robin Diangelo is a really great read for understanding how whiteness is engrained in American systems and the white response to losing that power. This book is written and speaks directly to white people but, as a Black woman, I did appreciate reading the perspective.
I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made For Whiteness
I accidentally stumbled across this book while researching references for my own research. This book lays it out plainly about the struggles of being Black in a world that is not made to benefit us. This book adds another layer by offering tangible ways of Black self-love. One takeaway from this book that I cannot help but to share is Black people must ask employers directly about their treatment of people of color in the workplace. When an organization claims to be antiracist, Channing suggests ten ways to survive racism.
- Ask why they want you.
- Define your terms.
- Hold the organization to the highest vision they committed to for as long as you can.
- Find your people.
- Have mentors and counselors on standby.
- Practice self-care.
- Find donors who will contribute to the cause.
- Know your rights.
- Speak.
- YOU ARE A CREATIVE BEING WHO IS CAPABLE OF MAKING CHANGE. BUT IT IS NOT YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO TRANSFORM AN ENTIRE ORGANIZATION!
You will need to get the book to really delve into what this means but I really enjoyed it!
Blackballed: The Black and White Politics of Race on America’s Campuses
Lawrence Ross is a prominent author in the works of sororities and fraternities as well as college campus climate. This book highlights the ways that college campuses are racially hostile places for people of color, particularly fraternities and sororities. The book provides the historical context which often goes unnoticed when thinking about how many of our thriving and sought after social institutions are founded on racism and exclusion.
Since my academic research is indirectly related to campus climate, I picked this book up from my school’s library. I truly appreciate when, what can perceived as academic text, is easily digestible. Ross is able to weave history, present, realness, and authenticity all together without it being daunting.
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
I absolutely loved the first book of this series. While I did like this one, it took me a long time to get into and did not capture my interest as quickly as the first one did. I am still a fan of the story and will of course be reading all subsequent books but there was something that was definitely lost in this one.
The Mamba Mentality
Following Kobe’s untimely death, I decided to read his book about the moniker he made famous, The Mamba Mentality. I borrowed this book from the Los Angeles Public Library through the Libby App, so I didn’t get the full effect of the book. The content is really a long appreciation letter to many of his best competitors. The best thing is the photos. Eventually I will get the hard copy just to have as a keepsake.
The Cartel (Book #1)
This is one of my favorite book series ever! It is such a thrilling, exciting, ghetto love story about drugs, money, and sex. I don’t even remember how I came across this book, but I am so glad that I did. The 8th book of the series is supposed to be released later this summer. I was hoping that one day we would get a movie of this series because it would be so good, but, unfortunately, Cash Money owns the rights of the first three books so that dream may never become a reality.
