Antiracism as Daily Practice - by Jennifer Harvey (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Inspirational and wise, a step by step guide for white Americans to combat racism in their communities. Antiracism as Daily Practice illustrates the many ways white Americans--those newly waking to the crisis of racism in 2020 and those already aware--can choose behaviors in our everyday lives to grow racial justice. Full of real life stories, this book shows how vital it is for white people to engage in and with our families, through our social networks, in our neighborhoods, and at our jobs to make antiracism a daily living commitment. We have real power in our relationships with other white people--and not enough of us have used it. Dr. Harvey explains why we white people struggle with knowing what to do about racism, and explores the significance of emotions like grief and anger (as well as the harmful role of shame) in really reckoning with the transformation and change needed in our communities to become the partners in justice that Black communities and other communities of color need and deserve. Not only is such transformation vital to the well-being of U.S. democracy. It's vital to the freedom and wholeness of white people too."--

Book Synopsis

"Nurturing and inspiring."―Kirkus Reviews

"An essential book of practical wisdom.... If you're white and have been asking, 'What can I do now?' this lively and timely book is for you."―Robert Jones, New York Times bestselling author of The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy

Antiracism as Daily Practice illustrates the many ways white Americans--those newly waking to the crisis of racism in 2020 and those already aware--can choose behaviors in our everyday lives to grow racial justice. Full of real life stories, this book shows how vital it is for white people to engage in and with our families, through our social networks, in our neighborhoods, and at our jobs to make antiracism a daily living commitment. We have real power in our relationships with other white people--and not enough of us have used it. Dr. Harvey explains why we white people struggle with knowing what to do about racism, and explores the significance of emotions like grief and anger (as well as the harmful role of shame) in really reckoning with the transformation and change needed in our communities to become the partners in justice that Black communities and other communities of color need and deserve. Not only is such transformation vital to the well-being of U.S. democracy. It's vital to the freedom and wholeness of white people too.

Review Quotes

Notable New Nonfiction --Daily Kos

"The author's vulnerability and passion combine to create a narratorial voice that is nurturing and inspiring....A thoughtful and comprehensive guide for white people truly seeking to practice antiracism."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Harvey shares specific techniques and habits to help White people become active anti-racists. Her scenarios - ranging from engaging with friends and family to speaking out in church and community settings - describe ways to meet tough situations with courage and vulnerability, while avoiding the traps of blaming and shaming." --The Presbyterian Outlook

"Read Jennifer Harvey's new book.... Antiracism as Daily Practice is... replete with personal anecdotes, specific examples, and concrete ideas for living out these truths. Harvey dedicates a whole chapter just to the question of "What ... We Do with our Families" that will doubtless be useful for many. I encourage you to find your own gems in this down-to-earth, practical book."
--Christian Feminism Today

"Jennifer Harvey has exactly the qualities necessary to help white people like me to do the inner work we need to do so we can show up constructively in the ongoing struggle for racial justice and genuine neighbor-love.... She brings deep learning and experience to her writing [and] believes what sometimes feels beyond belief: that white people really can change. Please: read this book and invite some white friends to read it with you.
--Brian D. McLaren, author of Life After Doom

"What a gift to the world...a timely resource for white persons engaged in the difficult but necessary work of truth-telling, accountability, and repentance."
--Angela D. Sims, President, Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School

"This story-packed treasure paints a vivid picture of what white antiracism looks like beyond protest signs and book clubs. White individuals and institutions, this book guides us towards the micro strategies we need to choose justice over comfort, again and again, in ways that build relationships, sustain us, and finally equip us to break from our white lineage of antiracist inertia."
--Debby Irving, author of Waking Up White, and Finding Myself in the Story of Race

"Courageous, powerful and true, the prophetic wisdom of Dr. Jennifer Harvey strikes truth into the heart. Antiracism as Daily Practice calls us deeper into the joy of justice even as we face the hard tasks of loving ourselves and transforming our communities.... For all those seeking soul-nourishing strength to do justice daily this book is a must read!"
--Dr. Melanie L. Harris, Professor of Black Feminist Thought and Womanist Theology at Wake Forest University

About the Author

Dr. Jennifer Harvey is a writer and educator long engaged in racial justice. Her books include the New York Times bestseller Raising White Kids. She has written for the New York Times and CNN, and spoken on NPR's "All Things Considered." Dr. Harvey served nearly twenty years at Drake University as both professor and Associate Provost for Campus Equity and Inclusion. She is now the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois.