THE BLACK FRIEND

Part memoir, part guidebook, this title explores scenarios of interpersonal and institutional struggle to introduce the next generation of White youth to anti-racism.

Following well-received 2020 releases for young people, including Tiffany Jewell’s This Book Is Anti-Racist and Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi’s Stamped, progressive marketing professional, activist, and philanthropist Joseph offers his own experiences in a text that aims to “provide teaching moments, cultural history, and context for white people.” Why the singular focus? The author notes that “the world needs to be better, and because of the power that white people hold in our society, much of that change needs to start with white people.” Joseph invites contributions from YA author Angie Thomas, Academy Award-winning playwright and actor Tarell Alvin McCraney, and sports journalist Jemele Hill, among notable others. The language strikes a congenial yet firm tone, recognizing that those who have made it this far are to be met with genuine intention; his message is that it’s about becoming better and understanding how your own behavior and knowledge are critical to leveraging the change needed to overhaul oppressive systems. Joseph navigates the sensitivity of such a project and poses a sincere question that challenges the long-held promise of reading amid widespread injustice: “If I show people how they’re hurting others, will some of them be willing to change?” Here’s to many readers digging in to find out.

A smartly researched, well-intentioned provocation to inspire change.