Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man by Emmanuel Acho ★★★★

[Jenni Elyse]

Emmanuel Acho is the son of Nigerian immigrants. After the death of George Floyd, he wanted to help white people understand why Black Lives Matter and other systemic racism issues are a problem in the United States. “You cannot fix a problem you do not know you have,” said Acho. So, he started a video series with the same name answering questions from his white viewers and then decided to write a book to go along with his series.

My friend recommended Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man to me and I'm glad I read it. Acho doesn't pull any punches as he discusses race, Black culture, and racism in a very open and sometimes uncomfortable conversation with his readers. I thought Acho's words were eye opening and they gave me a lot to think about. If more white people were willing to sit down and read his words, maybe we could actually learn from our mistakes and end racism and bias once and for all.

[Jen K]

I liked this one too. He's very personable.

[Jenni Elyse]

Yes, very personable. I really liked that he was willing to condescend to answer some of the stupid and common sense type questions he did. Just like he said, it helped show he’s willing to create a dialog between black and white people so it would be nice if white people were willing to do the same.

[Peacejanz]

Wonderful review. This is how we learn. Thanks. peace, janz

[Meli]

Jenni Elyse wrote: "Yes, very personable. I really liked that he was willing to condescend to answer some of the stupid and common sense type questions he did. Just like he said, it helped show he’s willing to create ..."

That sounds great, and a very important approach to promote change. I understand many (Black) people are exhausted and don't have the emotional bandwidth to be the teachers for all white people, but it has an important place in activism.

I'll have to look for his video series.

[Jenni Elyse]

Meli wrote: "Jenni Elyse wrote: "I understand many (Black) people are exhausted and don't have the emotional bandwidth to be the teachers for all white people, but it has ..."

Yes, exactly. I can completely understand why many black people are exhausted and don't have the emotional bandwidth to deal with white people. Hell, I don't and I am a white person.

I want to look up his video series as well. He also has a second book coming out called Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy. It deals with stories and situations from his childhood growing up in Texas.

[Meli]

Jenni Elyse wrote: "Hell, I don't and I am a white person."

Exactly! 🤣

[Jen K]

Agreed, and as it really is an open conversation in his book. I should look up his videos as well. I had to google him and his sports when I realized he was an actual "celebrity" and not just a regular author.

[Joi]

I've seen this author pop up, but don't know much about him- added to the TBR, this sounds like a great conversational approach to the giant subject of BLM and systemic racism.