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.

For those interested in further continuing their anti-racism education, here are more book suggestions that do not have a faith-theme:

Dear Sugar: Helping Future Grandparents Understand Adoption

Dear Sugar,

Let's talk about g-parents.

When you announce that you are choosing to build your family by adoption, you may be met with a myriad of responses. Excitement, fear, hope, ignorance, elation, doubt. ALL of these reactions are normal, because adoption is a BIG deal.  And because though you have made your decision, had some time to simmer in the adoption world, they are brand new to adoption, to adoption feelings, and to all sorts of other things like terminology, timelines, and the process.  
So I want you to be ready to do two things for those dear future grandparents.

Purchase and hand them two incredibly helpful books, written just for them!   IN ON IT (by Elisabeth O'Toole) and Adoption is a Family Affair (Patricia Irwin Johnston).  Both of these books are highly regarded in the adoption community.  

Why hand them these two books?   So they can learn at their own pace, reference the books time and time again, and have resources in hand that speak directly to their feelings, concerns, questions, and joys.   

Then I want you to get them one of those super cheesy "grandparent" picture frames.  Fill the window with a short love-note about how you can't wait to give them a photo of their grandbaby one day. Thank them for supporting you.   Write something from the heart.  

Revisit the adoption conversation often with the future grandparents.  What questions do they have?  Concerns?  What are they looking forward to?  Do they need you to provide more resources like articles, favorite blog posts, or even meet with another grandparent who already has an adoptee in his or her family?  

Being proactive is so important!  Just like you, grandparents need time and education in order to understand adoption and be the best possible support to the adoptee.  

Let me know on our Facebook page:  what other books, articles, blog posts, etc. would you add to my list of must-read resources for grandparents?  

Dear Sugar: 9 Adoption Books to Own Before Your Baby Arrives

Dear Sugar:

If you're waiting for your baby, can I just say I'm so over-the-moon for you?  I know exactly how you feel:  a mix of anticipation, elation, joy, and fear.   I've adopted four children, and each time the wait was incredibly challenging and surprising.  

One way that you can get ready for your baby is to start a home library.   As an avid reader and fan of children's books, I've compiled this fab list of the books you need to put in your child's library.

Why fill the library now?  

1:  It helps you nest.  To actively be buying and arranging things for your future baby helps you prepare your heart and mind.  

2:  Practicing reading the books now helps you be able to articulate and discuss adoption with your child from their earliest days.   (Think:  practice makes perfect.)  

3:  You will be *slightly* busy once your child is in your arms.  So getting ready now leaves room on your plate for the more pressing things later:  snuggling your baby!     

Happy reading, and happy waiting.   I'm cheering for you!  




-This post contains Amazon affiliate links.