America is known as the land of opportunities where anyone can achieve their dreams with hard work and dedication. But what if making right choices and working hard didn’t always yield success or lead you to the American dream? What if the land of the free wasn’t offering the same freedoms to everyone for better opportunities and advantages because of the color of their skin?
As we pledge liberty and justice for all, we must be willing to see the challenges of all people and commit to work towards change by listening, learning and growing toward racial reconciliation. Here are some enlightening resources to help you begin the slow march toward lasting transformation. I hope you will read with an open mind, a willingness to change and the courage to have critical conversations on race.
- If you want to understand the systemic racism that our black brothers and sisters have endured throughout the history of our country in order to empathize with their struggles read The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration, a historical study of the Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson.
- If you are struggling with choosing between two sides, this book will reveal the third option which is love: The Third Option: Hope for a Racially Divided Nation by Miles McPherson
- If you want to move beyond feeling guilty or sad and want to participate in racial reconciliation, check out: Be the Bridge: Pursuing God’s Heart for Racial Reconciliation by Latasha Morrison.
- If you want to teach your children to embrace and value diversity and begin the process of change at home, read God’s Very Good Idea by Trillia Newbell.
Simi John is married to her best friend and they pastor New Life Bible Church in Norman. They have two kids and love exploring OKC. Simi is a speaker and author, having just released her first book: “I Am Not: Break Free From Stereotypes & Become the Woman God Made You to Be.” Connect with Simi on Instagram @simijohn.
For even more books about diversity, racial injustice and inclusion, check out this locally-inspired round up of books for all ages.
