Level Up Book Review: Dear White Peacemakers

​Welcome to a new space for my "Words Matter" blog. It is my intention to begin sharing with you the books that are having a major impact on me and my coaching. I will use this space to introduce you to the works that are rocking my world and invite you into opportunities for conversations on the topics they introduce. I am so excited about the first work I am sharing with you; Dear White Peacemakers: Dismantling Racism with Grit and Grace by Osheta Moore. I had the privilege of being invited to the launch team for this amazing work and to read a proof copy. Official book release date is May 18th, so hurry and pre-order to give the book a boost or at least get in on those early days. I will be sharing opportunities for discussion later this summer, so keep checking in for details.
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"Moral humility is a posture that says you need God. You do not have the moral high ground, you will not use your goodness or good intentions to explain away unintended harm, and you will accept accountability as you work because you know that you are only human. You will make mistakes. This doesn't mean you are a terrible person or that you are a hopeless racist. This means you are a White person unlearning white supremacy. It's hard." ~Osheta Moore

In my opinion, this quote from Dear White Peacemakers sums up the work beautifully. In the most loving and gentle way, Osheta invites us to come to the table and get into the work. Then she joins us there and welcomes us into her story. 
She shares her experiences of racism in a way that feels so like you are chatting with a friend and wishing that none of this had to be a part of her story. Then she shines a light on how we as white people have been a part of that story regardless of intention. She gives us specific ways to begin to address dismantling, unlearning white supremacy while still remaining whole ourselves. She challenges each of us to "push against our window of tolerance to dismantle white supremacy in our minds, hearts, and actions".

This book is a breath of fresh air, without shying away from the hard truths, Osheta truly leans into the grit and the grace of the process. In addition to the stories and actions, the design of the book sharing the thread of black spirituals, scripture passages, and breath prayers as ways to bring our hearts into the work is powerful. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to do this work. Take your time with it and savor the journey. 
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• BookShop Link
• Amazon Link

I can't wait to discuss this work with you soon.
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Because You Are Worth It!
Heidi
 

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