What Does it Mean to be White in America?: Breaking the White Code of Silence, A Collection of Personal Narratives (2LP EXPLORATIONS IN DIVERSITY) - Softcover

GABRIELLE DAVID is a multidisciplinary artist who is a musician, photographer, digital designer, poet and writer. She is the co-founder of the Intercultural Alliance of Artists & Scholars, Inc. (IAAS), a NY-based nonprofit, and has served as its executive director since its inception in 2000. She is also the publisher of the organization's imprint, 2Leaf Press. SEAN FREDERICK FORBES is a professor, scholar and the author of PROVIDENCIA: A BOOK OF POEMS (2013). His work has appeared in numerous journals and publications. Forbes is the director of the Creative Writing Program at the University of Connecticut, and teaches creative writing and poetry.

These deeply honest personal stories examine the effect and affect of being white which for so many years has meant ignorance or denial of how racism benefits and forges our own Caucasian identity. Reading this important collection, I am reminded of how processing whiteness is a journey although we may all be at different points of discourse, it is still critical to enter the conversation. May this book get people talking. --Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of Leaving Time and Small Great Things

The conversations about race in the U.S. have been unnecessarily one-sided and unfairly the burden of people of color. Without the white perspective, indeed white engagement, the struggle for change or even dialogue becomes even more challenging. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE WHITE IN AMERICA? offers a long-overdue response that aims to complete the politicized discourse with this varied collection of exploratory essays that moves beyond expressions of guilt and admissions of privilege. The tones range from moving to provocative, from emotional to intellectual, but their common mission is to break away from apathetic silence and to help examine one the most charged issues affecting this country today. This is a timely and vital anthology. --Rigoberto González, writer, book critic, award-winning poet and the author of Our Lady of The Crossword and Mariposa U

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE WHITE IN AMERICA? is a must read by all. This collection of personal narratives provides varied perspectives about being white, white privilege and other counter points that need to be said and read. We tend to see and hear only one side of the discussion about white folks, now it s their turn to make their voices heard. After reading these personal narratives, I believe this book is on track to become a best seller, but more importantly, it will generate discussions and a much needed dialogue about race, and a catalyst for positive change in this country. This may be hopeful thinking, but hope is always a good thing. --Andrew P. Jackson (Sekou Molefi Baako) Activist Librarian and Adjunct Lecturer