This was a very timely book on the subject of adversity and the struggles that Black Americans go through both on a personal and professional level. There are different perspectives and pieces of advice from a multitude of individuals throughout the novel. I felt that it was very informative and eye-opening for everyone to read. While I myself cannot claim to relate to those struggles, I feel that it is important to educate on the subject.
This book serves as a type of "guide" for Black professionals to navigate networking while offering advice. The book is divided into different topics of discussion, including perspective, networking, relationships, navigating white spaces, growth, finances, health, how to be an "ally", and finally closing with advice and wisdom. I appreciated the chapter about how to be an "ally" as this is something that is often misguided when it comes to creating opportunities for Black professionals and supporting the cause. There are many individuals that stepped up for the BLM movement last year. While that was a good start, the work there is just beginning. If more individuals can collectively aid and contribute effectively, it will lead the way for further change.
Finally, I would like to include a quote from the novel that Pamela Hutchinson shared that I feel addresses better what I cannot put into words myself. She remarked on having a conversation with someone regarding how black individuals have learned how to navigate white spaces and as such, what is the purpose of trying to help white individuals navigate their spaces:
"Look, you know what, it's frustrating and it's tiring, and I hate doing it too. But the reality is, they didn't wake up in our world, and they have not walked in our shoes, and they do not know our experiences, and the only way they'll know is through us sharing in order to raise people's level of awareness and engagement" (Pamela Hutchinson, 300-301).
By better understanding a perspective unlike your own, you can better help a cause and be an ally.
This book serves as a type of "guide" for Black professionals to navigate networking while offering advice. The book is divided into different topics of discussion, including perspective, networking, relationships, navigating white spaces, growth, finances, health, how to be an "ally", and finally closing with advice and wisdom. I appreciated the chapter about how to be an "ally" as this is something that is often misguided when it comes to creating opportunities for Black professionals and supporting the cause. There are many individuals that stepped up for the BLM movement last year. While that was a good start, the work there is just beginning. If more individuals can collectively aid and contribute effectively, it will lead the way for further change.
Finally, I would like to include a quote from the novel that Pamela Hutchinson shared that I feel addresses better what I cannot put into words myself. She remarked on having a conversation with someone regarding how black individuals have learned how to navigate white spaces and as such, what is the purpose of trying to help white individuals navigate their spaces:
"Look, you know what, it's frustrating and it's tiring, and I hate doing it too. But the reality is, they didn't wake up in our world, and they have not walked in our shoes, and they do not know our experiences, and the only way they'll know is through us sharing in order to raise people's level of awareness and engagement" (Pamela Hutchinson, 300-301).
By better understanding a perspective unlike your own, you can better help a cause and be an ally.