How We Heal - by La June Montgomery Tabron (Hardcover)

About the Book

"From a vivid portrait of her childhood in 1960s Detroit to her leadership of one of the world s largest philanthropic institutions, La June shares her full-circle, American story--a coming-of-age journey where she gains a firsthand understanding of how systemic racism prevents our children and communities from thriving and learns about the transformative role healing can play in helping all of us transcend the legacy of racial inequity."--

Book Synopsis

In How We Heal, La June Montgomery Tabron, President and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, makes a powerful case for hope through racial healing.

From a vivid portrait of her childhood in 1960s Detroit to her leadership of one of the world's largest philanthropic institutions, La June shares her full-circle, American story--a coming-of-age journey where she gains a firsthand understanding of how systemic racism prevents our children and communities from thriving and learns about the transformative role healing can play in helping all of us transcend the legacy of racial inequity.

As she rises to her position as the first female and first African American leader of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, La June experiences the healing power of sharing and listening with empathy. And with the help of mentors and colleagues, she refines the message that will guide the foundation's mission for years to come: Healing can begin only with truth-telling.

Empowered by the mission set forth by its founder to support children and families "without regard to sex, race, creed, or nationality," the foundation explores a racial healing framework that transforms communities and individuals around the world--from small rural towns and big cities across the United States, including La June's own beloved Detroit, to Mexico, Haiti, and beyond.

This book serves as a testament to the power of transformation and a blueprint for how each of us, no matter who we are or how we lead, can use racial healing to bridge the empathy deficits in our communities.

How We Heal illuminates a path that all of us can follow--from trust to empathy, from understanding to repair--one conversation and one connection at a time.

Review Quotes

"The prose is engaging and clear, breaking down complex social issues and philanthropic work into smaller pieces and then relating those to personal experiences. This not only results in a moving story but a well-argued case for racial healing methods."
--Foreword Reviews

"Tabron's memoir offers a powerful account of success, and its social commentary challenges readers to persist in the fight for equality."
--Kirkus Reviews

"How We Heal by La June Montgomery Tabron resonated deeply with me. What sets this book apart is La June's emphasis on the power of truth-telling and empathetic listening as fundamental components of the healing process. Her narrative underscores the importance of sharing our stories and listening with empathy to bridge the divides that have long plagued our society.

La June's story is not just about her personal and professional triumphs; it is a clarion call to action for all of us. She challenges us to embrace racial healing as a means to build trust, foster empathy, and ultimately repair the fabric of our communities in a time when it often feels like we're holding on by a thread. This book is a blueprint for anyone seeking to make a difference, offering practical insights and strategies for using racial healing to address the empathy deficits that hinder our collective progress. It reaffirms the belief that healing is not only possible but essential for creating a more just and equitable society.

This book is a must-read for leaders, activists, and anyone committed to the cause of racial equity. It is a powerful reminder that healing begins with each of us. We are better, together."
--Mitch Landrieu, former White House Senior Advisor and Infrastructure Coordinator, and Founder of E Pluribus Unum

"It's easy to talk about transformation. It's much harder to achieve sustained and meaningful impact. La June Montgomery Tabron has initiated seismic shifts at the W. K. Kellogg Foundation--all of them for the betterment of the organization and the people it serves. How We Heal charts this journey in vivid detail and makes a persuasive case that other leaders should follow in Montgomery Tabron's sure footsteps."
--Robert F. Smith, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Vista Equity Partners

"What makes How We Heal so vital in this moment is its unwavering commitment to justice--not as an abstract ideal but as a tangible goal that can be achieved through healing and reconciliation. Montgomery Tabron provides a thoughtful and practical roadmap for bridging divides, transforming communities, and ultimately reshaping systems that have perpetuated inequities for far too long. This book is more than a guide; it is a powerful call to action for all who seek to create meaningful, lasting change. For those willing to engage with the hard truths of our history, How We Heal is an indispensable resource and an inspiring beacon of hope."
--Stacey Abrams, New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, and political leader

"How We Heal is a mission statement from one of the finest leaders in American philanthropy. As the first Black and woman President and CEO of the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, La June Montgomery Tabron has helped usher in our current era of more equitable, inclusive, and socially responsible giving. In the process, she and her team have changed the lives of countless young people. I'm grateful for her leadership--and for all the guideposts she's left for us to follow in this book."
--Marc Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League

"In How We Heal, La June Montgomery Tabron provides what I believe is the oxygen of democracy: hope. By sharing her inspiring American story and her prescription for racial healing--the methodology for change she illuminates in this book--she extends the promise of a better, more just future for all in these pages."
--Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation

About the Author

La June Montgomery Tabron is both the first woman and the first African American to serve as President and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, one of the largest philanthropic foundations in the world. In 2025, Montgomery Tabron was named one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People in philanthropy. In 2023, Inside Philanthropy named her one of the 50 Most Powerful Women in US Philanthropy, and the New York Times named her a Groundbreaker at its annual DealBook Summit. She has spoken at the Aspen Ideas Festival, the Clinton Global Initiative, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, and the University of Oxford. She lives in Battle Creek, Michigan.