nonfiction
Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man is a powerful, straight-forward book about a topic of increasing importance. Based on a web series by the same name, Emmanuel Acho addresses the topic of systemic racism in America- how we got here and how we, as a society, can begin to take steps toward becoming actively anti-racist.
Acho's tell-it-like-it-is style isn't for everyone, but I found it refreshing and relatable for people who are interested in understanding topics like privilege and implicit bias but who don't want to read an academic paper about the subjects. Acho provides excellent references for readers who do want to dig deeper into the topics he discusses, but this book is a great primer for those just starting the journey of being an ally to people of color. I've not seen his web series previously, but I'll certainly be watching now.
Will this book make you uncomfortable if you're a white American? Probably, and that's absolutely okay. It will do all of us some good to sit with our discomfort for a little while these days as we think about how we can make our communities more inclusive for everyone in them. Acho shares his story and his
truth with a level of patience, grace, and kindness that I'm not sure we
deserve, but for which I am very grateful.
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