Writing from the perspective of a friend, Frederick Joseph offers candid reflections on his own experiences with racism and conversations with prominent artists and activists about theirs—creating an essential read for white people who are committed anti-racists and those newly come to the cause of racial justice.
Frederick is an award-winning marketing professional, activist, philanthropist, and author of the upcoming highly anticipated book The Black Friend (2020), with over 10 years of marketing experience, and a Forbes Under 30 list maker for Marketing and Advertising. Frederick has been honored as the 2018 Comic-Con Humanitarian of the Year award and a member of the 2018 Root 100″ list of Most Influential African Americans. Frederick consistently writes about marketing, culture, and politics for the Huffington Post, USA Today, NowThisNews, The Independent, AdWeek, amongst others.
Read Aloud Tips
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Reiterate: While teaching and discussing race and other topics of importance, restate what was said. This will enable students to reflect on what they have heard rather than what they believe they heard. Therefore, decreasing miscommunication and misinformation.
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Check in with students and their emotional state during discussions with strong emotions. This can be done in many different ways. For example, using the colors of a stoplight to understand how students are feeling and if they need a break.
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Allow adequate time for debriefing with set norms and expectations. Talking circles with a designated talking piece can create a space for students to talk about the information being shared and their experience with learning this.
“Typically, books on being an antiracist methodically walk readers through systemic racism and its related terminology, but Joseph takes a more personal, and perhaps more effective, approach, sharing stories from his time in school and college to provide cultural history and opportunities for reflection…To reinforce many of his points, Joseph includes interviews with writers, activists, and other influencers from multiple intersections. Finally, he calls on white people to become active accomplices, rather than passive allies, in the fight. Readers can find more explanations of terms and movements in the concluding “Encyclopedia of Racism,” as well as a “The Black Friend Playlist” and “People and Things to Know” roster. A hard-hitting resource for action and change.” – Booklist