Celeste Headlee (Do Nothing) wants everyone to engage in conversations about race and racism; "not talking about it," she notes, "has not made it go away." She unpacks both the why and how of these conversations in Speaking of Race.
Headlee's background in public radio shines through in the clear narrative arc she applies to the guidance in Speaking of Race, first placing conversations about race and racism in their historical and social context before moving into conversation guidelines and practices. This includes calls to engage with respect and acceptance (though she is quick to point out that these principles are not the same as tolerating violence, threats or a refusal to acknowledge another's basic humanity), ways to find common ground amid disagreement, and acknowledgement that not all conversations will lead to an immediate or dramatic change. Instead, Headlee encourages readers to recognize that not all discussions of race need to be debates: "debates have changed very few minds, but conversations have the power to change hearts."
That change of heart is at the core of Headlee's work and comes across in her earnest and approachable style. She's as candid and authentic as she encourages readers to be in their own conversations. Speaking of Race is a call to reimagine what conversations about race could look and feel like, a reminder to be willing to stay present despite what discomfort those conversations might bring up. And though it may be uncomfortable at times, Headlee also offers readers a call to remain hopeful that change is possible. --Kerry McHugh, freelance writer