Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man

Acho begins the book by sharing his experience as a first-generation American born to Nigerian parents. He grew up in Texas. Growing up in a Nigerian home-culture in an area that was majority white, he struggled to find his identity. He explains that he didn’t really get to experience black American culture until he attended college. This provided him the perspective of understanding the cultures of both white and black Americans. Acho goes on to share some of his experiences with racism and his goal for writing this book: to be a catalyst for change by having a conversation. He wants to build relationships and help people recognize their shared humanity.

Acho does just that. The entire book reads as if he is engaging in a conversation with you. The book is a very easy, captivating read that touches on some very tough racial subjects, including implicit bias, cultural appropriation, the myth of the angry black man, the use of the n-word, reverse racism, and the justice system.

The book is divided into 3 general sections: You and Me, Us and Them, and We. Each of these sections zooms out on the topics discussed to broaden the reader’s view of the components of systemic racism and how to change this system. The last section, We, is a call to action that encourages readers to get involved, become an ally, and take steps to dismantle racism in our society.

The chapters have a similar structure throughout the book. Each starts with a question asked by viewers of his YouTube series. Acho then provides:

• a short introduction to the main topic of the chapter;
• a historical perspective and background to help frame the idea discussed;
• a section titled Let’s Get Uncomfortable where he transitions into the portion of the conversation specifically addressing the racial aspect at hand; and,
• a final section called Talk It, Walk It where he provides additional resources for the reader to accesses or ways the reader can behave in an antiracist manner in the future.

This format of introduction, historical background, getting uncomfortable, and how to be antiracist allows for a smooth examination of the chapter topic and takes the reader from simply learning about racism to taking action against it in their own sphere of influence.

This is a great, comprehensive look at system racism for all readers. Acho has a compassionate and knowledgeable conversation with the reader designed to inform and encourage action to correct the system. This is a great book to recommend to someone who wants to learn more about systemic racism in our society. It is compassionate, honest, and frank in its discussion of racism throughout history and how it appears to our society today.

If you are interested in learning more about systemic racism in America, I created a list of resources that can be used to begin your education. I encourage you to work towards a society of We as Acho discusses in his book.

References

Brown, B. (Host). (2021, January 27.) Brene with Emmanuel Acho on Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man. In Unlocking Us podcast. BreneBrown.com. https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-with-emmanuel-acho-on-uncomfortable-conversations-with-a-black-man/