In the summer of 2016, my mother, dog Ally, and I got into my Honda Civic Hybrid and went on a 4,500 mile, self-funded book tour of 13 cities across the US to promote my new, second book, Living in the Tension.
However, from Chicago to Tulsa to Denver, audiences were interested in questions more directly related to Witnessing Whiteness. Philando Castile had just been shot and killed in front of his girlfriend and her child for following officers’ directives. People were trying to understand the “dumpster fire” taking over the US, with Donald Trump gaining increasing favor among the GOP in advance of the 2016 presidential election.
Living in the Tension: The Quest for a Spiritualized Racial Justice is a book focused on subtlety and nuance. It addresses profound and significant questions, although most people do not realize they are grappling with them until they read the book.
Many have referred to the book as “a hidden gem” that deserves a closer look, particularly given the popularity of My Grandmother’s Hands, by Resmaa Menakem. If you are one of the many who appreciate the need for healing as we work toward justice, Living in the Tension is a wonderful complement.
There is also free curriculum available that allows groups to choose their own adventure, selecting only the chapters and exercises that fit their needs. Check out the Living in the Tension workshop curriculum here!
