Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man by Emmanuel Acho

Essays on racism and anti-racism in the context of current American culture, particularly with respect to anti-racism, and informed by American history, particularly with respect to racism.

This was short, but something I would still recommend as a good jumping off point! I am so excited to see him host the Bachelor's after show and I will definitely be looking into his YouTube series next! The book definitely felt conversational and had a great voice to it.

I think the thing I like best about this book is the number of other books that he recommended on the topic for each chapter. Each chapter is precipitated by a question that he recieved from people. His answers are often centrist in an effort to include everyone and teach everyone. I loved the audiobook that included an interview and a few other extras.
This book is a great start to learning about what black people think and feel.

This is one of the books I will be purchasing copies of to hand out to friends who have not read it yet. It is written to be very easy to read for those who are just beginning their learning journey. You will come away with a long list of other books, essays, documentaries and organizations to check out as you continue. I definitely recommend it.

Content Note: There is one instance of the use of the f-word in the book. It is used in the context of a quote and is on page 65.

What drew me to his Instagram video series drew me to this book - Emmanuel Acho is engaging and honest, willing to take on a burden of answering (presumably predominately white) people's questions about racism, terminology, bias, white privilege, and so much more. Reading this book felt like a small step in what will likely prove to be a long journey. Acho even ends the book, “Ending racism is not a finish line that we will cross. It's a road we'll travel.” I call it a small step not as a reference to Acho or his writing but rather in light of how much our society has to go. How much I still have to go in fighting racism and advocating for those whose voices have been stifled all too long.

This book is full of context, history, and recommendations for other resources to continue traveling down the road of ending racism. There may be moments while reading you may feel convicted and embarrassed - I know I definitely did - but it's worth it. It's worth it to be humbled and take the time to listen instead of getting defensive, trying to justify, or even walking away. This is a conversation we all need to be a part of, and I hope others continue to find this book to be a helpful resource on their journey!

As a note, I started the audiobook and then switched to the physical book. I recommend both! Acho reads it and does a great job. Reading the book was helpful in seeing how the book is divided up and noting recommended resources.