ANTIRACISM AS DAILY PRACTICE

A white academic and activist encourages her white peers to practice antiracism.

Harvey, author of Raising White Kids and Dear White Christians, began practicing antiracism in 1994 as a student at Union Theological Seminary, “the heartbeat of liberation-committed, progressive Christianity.” The author claims that her initial attempts at solidarity with people of color were messy and, at times, unintentionally harmful. Drawing on these mistakes and others, she crafts an emotional and practical framework for white people like herself to take the risks necessary to truly serve communities of color. To do so, she makes distinctions between white fragility and authentic emotion, including grief; encourages white people to “embody” their antiracism by “turning…beliefs into behavior”; and outlines the emotional, economic, and familial costs of ignoring antiracist work and allowing the status quo to continue without challenge. Throughout, she emphasizes that white antiracist work breaks generational cycles by creating the ancestors white children need to build a more loving future. “We didn’t have good ancestors,” she writes. “We didn’t get what we needed. And that’s why this is so hard.” Harvey provides a litany of practical ways to address these difficulties, including building communities with fellow white antiracists, cultivating intellectual flexibility, and identifying and making use of our personal spheres of influence. The author’s vulnerability and passion combine to create a narratorial voice that is nurturing and inspiring. At times, the author’s sympathy for white discomfort is poorly calibrated: For example, she discusses the “real costs” of antiracist white people risking family connections without adequately acknowledging the enslavement, settler colonial genocide, and immigration raids that tear marginalized communities apart in much more violent ways. Overall, though, the book is an educational and practical read for white audiences.

A thoughtful and comprehensive guide for white people truly seeking to practice antiracism.