White Sugar, Brown Sugar: The Best Christian Anti-Racism and Racial Equity Books

This week, I've been challenged by some social media comments regarding religion and racial equity. So many of my fellow Christians fail to understand how church can be one of the worst places that upholds white supremacy. They hear this, white supremacy, and cringe. Then they get defensive. After all, there's no way they are racist. They love Jesus. Jesus loves everyone. Can't we all just get along? Let's come together in unity and peace -- like the Bible says. Right?

WRONG.

We cannot bypass the hard, anti-racism work.

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Anti-racism, as Ibram X Kendi talks about in his book, isn't the same thing as not-racist. In fact, not racist isn't even real. (Just like colorblindness when it comes to race.) Being nice to Black people doesn't make you not racist. Having a Black family member, friend, co-worker, or neighbor also doesn't make you not racist. If you've been on a mission trip to Africa, you can still be racist. Friends, you can adopt a child of color and still be racist.

I know why so many Christians don't like to be confronted with their own racism and participation in white supremacy. It's called white fragility, and you can read all about it here if you're not yet familiar. Essentially, when white people are uncomfortable and sense that the norm they've always clung to (white privilege) is being dismantled or questioned, they get fragile. Cue white tears, denial of racism (or, at minimum, a belief that it's "not that bad"), or even clapbacks (Black-on-Black crime, the race card, etc.).

I understand that some of my fellow Christians WANT to do better, but they don't know how. Some aren't sure it's necessary or important to participate in anti-racism. They want to remain neutral in order to feel safe. But here's the deal, neutrality isn't possible. A person is either working to fight racism or is working to uphold it.

If you're a Christian who is struggling to understand what racial equity is and why it matters, I implore you to check out these books. Each is written by a Christian author and helps you understand race, racism, white supremacy, racial equity, and so much more.

Don't just talk to the talk. If you truly care about your Black brothers and sisters, you'll put some skin (pun intended) in the game. You'll stop sitting on the sidelines, not sure who to cheer for. (If you're on the sidelines and are uncertain, you are participating in oppression. FYI.)

These books will get you started on your journey and help you understand how you can truly love thy neighbor, seek justice, and love mercy.

Click on the book image to read a summary, check out reviews, take a glimpse inside the cover, and purchase.