book cover. An upraised fist of rebellion. Title "Fieldnotes on Allyship" is typeset underneath the fist.

Fieldnotes on Allyship is Launched!

Fieldnotes on Allyship is launched—an anthology of eighteen writers from three continents writing about allyship for the Black community.

When Church Becomes the State

Sometimes we think that by making our country an explicitly religious one, we will solve our problems. But the results are always worse.

Four sheep facing the viewer. They are standing in a field.

To My Evangelical Faith Family

To my white Evangelical family: You birthed me and raised me and gave me principles and sent me out into … More

white man with gray hair faces away from camera, sitting in empty stone church.

Making the Past the Past

“The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” ~ Wm. Faulkner It is a difficult thing to think that … More

Mug of coffee on a square of burlap. A journal and pencil lay next to it. There are coffee beans scattered around the cup and on top of the journal.

The Confidence of Ignorance

It’s really sad when white guys don’t get it. There’s a sui generis difference between the experience of Black Americans … More

REVIEW: So You Want to Talk about Race

So you want to write a review . . . I was initially reluctant to read this book by Ijeoma … More

A suburb showing about 100 houses on winding streets.

From Levittown to Black Lives Matter

We built the ground for protests when we broke ground for Levittown

A white coffee mug with coffee in it. It has the word "BEGIN" on it, and sits on a wooden table.

#WakingUpWhite Chapter 46: Whole Again

I’ve been blogging with friends as I read through “Waking Up White,” by Debby Irving. We’re committed to reading, thinking, … More

graffito silhouette of girl reaching for red heart on a string

Words of Apology

One of the most critical things I’m learning is that a conditional apology is worthless. An apology leading with an … More

Two women, one white, one Black, are having a conversation with each other. They're seated facing each other at a table next to a large window overlooking an urban setting.

#WakingUpWhite Chapter 45: Normalizing Race Talk

Blogging with friends as I read “Waking Up White” by Debby Irving, committed to read and think and write about … More

Mural of man expressing anger. Blue hair and shirt.

With Malice Aforethought

“The McMichaels did not intend to kill Mr. Arbery that day. All they intended to do was to stop him, … More

Four toddlers forming a circle of friendship

#WakingUpWhite Chapter 44: Listening

Still blogging with my friends as I read “Waking Up White” by Debby Irving, committing ourselves to read and think … More

Getting an Upgrade

Well, it’s official. I’m now an editor for the online magazine Our Human Family, which has the motto “Conversations on … More

#WakingUpWhite Chapter 43: From Tolerance to Engagement

I’m blogging, along with several other writers, as I read the book by Debby Irving “Waking Up White.” We’ve committed … More

#WakingUpWhite Chapter 42: Solidarity and Accountability

I’m blogging, along with several others, as I read the book by Debby Irving “Waking Up White.” We’ve committed to … More

#WakingUpWhite Chapter 40: Bull in a China Shop

I’m reading chapters from Waking Up White, by Debbie Irving, and blogging my responses. Quotes are from the book, and … More

#WakingUpWhite Chapter 39: Equality Starts with Equity

I’m going through Debbie Irving’s book Waking Up White, along with several friends, blogging about each chapter as I read … More

A black and white photo. A young man stands in the middle of a grove of slender trees, all with white trunks.

When Words Fail

I was in a conversation recently where this question came up: “How do we influence people to change their minds … More

The Quarantine of Emotions

If you haven’t been paying attention, there’s a play running right now in New York City that’s controversial and provoking. … More

People standing and walking down the corridor of a brightly lighted shiny conference hallway

#WakingUpWhite Chapter 36: The Dominant White Culture

Continuing the series of examining whiteness while working through Waking Up White, by Debbie Irving. I’m utterly intrigued by the … More

#WakingUpWhite Chapter 35: If Only You’d Be More Like Me

I’m reading & simultaneously commenting on Debby Irving’s book Waking Up White. Jesus. I mean that in reverence not as … More

White Jesus, Bible Jesus: Pick One

Yes, this is deliberately provocative for a blog title, chosen to shake up people settled in their ways like the … More

My Dear White People

This is a love letter. Really. And it comes from someone who has committed every sin that’s listed here—and many … More

Multicolored connector plugs inserted into a control panel.

#WakingUpWhite Chapter 34: Becoming Multicultural

Once again, I’m reading & simultaneously commenting on Debby Irving’s book Waking Up White. This chapter is fire. Creating a … More

Pride and Prejudice, Staged

Last week we went to see a production of the new musical AUSTEN’S PRIDE, the story of Jane Austen‘s creation … More

The Purpose-Driven Lie

“The purpose of racism is to control the behavior of white people, not Black people. For Blacks, guns and tanks … More

#WakingUpWhite Chapter 33: Perception and Fear

Once again, a reminder that this series (“Waking Up White”) is from the book by Debby Irving. I read the … More