How to Be an Antiracist

Let’s begin this journey with a gentle breath—a moment to center ourselves in the knowledge that growth is possible for every soul. To be antiracist is to be ever-evolving, not perfect. In a world that often demands certainty, this book offers a refreshing truth: we are all learning. The first insight is that antiracism is not a badge you earn and wear forever, but a path you walk, sometimes stumbling, sometimes striding, always moving forward. The idea that you can be 'not racist' is a comforting illusion, but it’s just that—an illusion. There is no neutral ground. Every day, in every action, we either support policies and ideas that create equity, or we allow inequity to persist. This is a liberating realization, because it means we have the power to choose, again and again.

Denial is the most stubborn companion on this journey. It whispers, 'That’s not me,' or 'I don’t see color.' But denial is the heartbeat of racism, thumping quietly in the background, making us defensive when challenged. Imagine a room full of people, each convinced they are not part of the problem. Nothing changes. But when just one person admits, 'Maybe I have something to learn,' the entire atmosphere shifts. This is where healing begins.

Language matters. The word 'racist' is not a curse. It’s not the end of your story. It’s a flashlight that helps you see what needs to be changed. Just as a doctor names an illness to begin treatment, we must name racism to begin healing. In this book, you’ll meet stories of young people on stages, giving speeches they later regret—words shaped by the culture around them, not by malice, but by misunderstanding. We are all shaped by the stories we inherit, but we are not bound to repeat them.

So, as we start this audio journey, let’s set aside shame and embrace curiosity. The next chapter will guide us deeper into the origins of race and the power structures that shape our world. Remember: every moment is a new chance to choose antiracism.