"For all of you who lack an honest black friend in your life, consider me that friend. My arms are open wide, friends. My heart, too."  

Timely, easily accessible, vitally important.  Acho creates an engaging conversation in a warm and welcoming space.  You may have watched his viral video series with the same title.  This book is an extension of that series, continuing this necessary dialogue with topics like: cultural appropriation, use of the “N” word, defund the police, the “angry black man,” and white privilege.  Acho’s inviting presentation, use of sports metaphors, personal stories, and pertinent quotes take these tough topics and make them palatable. 

 

Maybe one of the reasons Acho can make these ideas more affable is because Acho himself has had to reassess and relearn also.  As a first generation American black man raised in predominantly white, upper class Houston, Acho himself grew up with distorted ideas about blackness.  If he could believe inaccurate depictions and ideology, how much easier is it for non-black individuals to believe?   

 

If you’re looking to learn and want to do it alongside a friend, I’d definitely suggest Acho as your guide through this book.  

 

*Also, the young reader version of this book has recently been released titled Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy.