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May 9, 2008

the black and white of books


If you know anything about me, you know that I would fight to the death to bring justice to the racism in the U.S. As a white young male I walk in the steps of racism everyday. As a white male it is easy not to think about racism in the United States, so easy that I can compare not thinking about racism to not thinking about having to breathe. Everything is catered to the white world so I don’t have to see, hear, smell, touch, taste, or think about racism.

There is no easier way to learn about racism then being friends with someone of another ethnicity. (I’m not saying to search someone out for that mere purpose.) In addition to friendships, reading is also important to know history, systems, and other opinions on the subject. Below I have created a list of the books I have read or that have been recommended to me and what they are about. I own most of these books. If you would like to borrow one please let me know or go to your local library and check it out. Some of these books may be hard to find at a library or general bookstore.

African Americans A Consice History vol 2 by Hine, Hine, and Harrold
Easy to read topical history of African Americans since 1865

Alienable Rights by Adams and Sanders
A great book on the politics, laws, presidents, and the policies of racism in the United States.

Being White by Paula Harris and Doug Schaupp
Sometimes understanding your own culture helps you understand other cultures. Being White helps to uncover what is white identity.

Better Together by Robert Putom & Lewis Feldstein
Putom is also the author of the book Bowling Alone. Better Together, a sequel to Bowling Alone seeks out building communities together utilizing everyone and their gifts.

Breaking Down Walls by Washington and Kehrein
A black and white duo write this book. The book was written in 1994 in the midst of huge popularity in racial reconciliation and Christianity.

Canaan Land by Albert Raboteau
Canaan Land gives a brief religious history of African Americans. It is a great book and has an excellent chapter on the syncretism of African and European religions.

The Debt by Randall Robinson
Robinson is one of the best authors I have read. He touches on topics such as restoration and reparation.

Enter the River by Jody Miller Shearer
I haven’t read this book yet, but it talks about the definitions of prejudice, racism, and the issue of white privilege.

A Fire in the Bones by Albert Raboteau
Interesting religious history of African Americans.

Journey to the Center of the City by Randy White
Living as a Christian in the city.

Dismantling Racism: The Continuing Challenge to White America by Joseph Barndt
A challenge to all white Americans and to seek out racial justice.

Divided by Faith by Michael Emerson and Christian Smith
The best book out there that talks about racism and Christianity, hands down. A must read whether you are a Christian or not.

Following Jesus Without Dishonoring Your Parents by Yep, Cha, Riesen, Jao, and Tokunaga
A great beginners’ books for understanding Asian Americans.

More Than Equals by Spencer Perkins and Chris Rice
The best book out there that demonstrates a real life story for a black and white man seeking racial reconciliation.

My First White Friend by Patricia Raybon
An account of Patricia’s experience of racism growing up. Very powerful.

Philosophy of Science and Race1 by Naomi Zack
An academic book on the creation and myth of race. No better book to understand the science and history of race.

Race Matters by Cornel West
A must read from a brilliant writer.

Race, Religion, and the Continuing American Dilemma by C. Eric Lincoln
Lincoln addresses a wide variety of issues and concerns around race in American.

Real Hope in Chicago by Wayne Gordon with Randall Frame
The story of Wayne Gordon and his family as they began a church and changed the neighborhood of Lawndale in Chicago.

Reconciliation Blues by Edward Gilbreath
Ed speaks truth into the hardships as a black man trying to live his life in the midst of white Christianity.

The Souls of Black People2 by W.E.B. Du Bois
A great foundational book.

The Truly Disadvantaged by William Julius Wilson
Wilson gets at the heart of the issues of the inner city. There is no better way to look at understanding the problems of the inner city and underclass.

United by Faith by Curtiss Paul DeYoung and Michael Emerson
An uplifting sequel to Divided by Faith.

The Urban Christian by Ray Bakke with Jim Hart
Ray Bakke uses his own experiences to explain effective ministry in the urban city.

Why are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? by Beverly Daniel Tatum
The quintessential book on the basics of racism and understanding the bonds of race and racial identity of minorities.

[1] This book is currently being borrowed by someone.
[2] I don’t own this book.

1 comment:

Alaina Beth said...

Hey!

Thanks for the list. I've been hoping to hear more about what books you think are eloquent about this issue. I'll be checking some of these out.

Can you see how well I am doing at procrastinating on the unpacking??