Doing Nothing Is No Longer an Option

One Woman's Journey into Everyday Antiracism

De: Jenny Booth Potter

Narrado por: Jenny Booth Potter

During a bus ride with a group of fellow college students, Jenny Booth Potter came to a life-changing realization. She decided that racism in all its forms—in policies and systems, in organizations and churches, in neighborhoods and families—could no longer be tolerated. And even though Jenny didn't know what to do about racism, she was certain of one thing: doing nothing is no longer an option. That declaration Jenny made to her peers was more than seven words uttered on a bus. It was a vow, a lifetime commitment to seek racial justice.

With candor and humility, Jenny shares her very imperfect but relentless journey of growing in awareness of racism, of reckoning with her own white privilege, and of learning how to be an antiracism advocate alongside her young family. If you're anything like Jenny was on that bus—overwhelmed by the enormity of racism and compelled to do something, but uncertain if you can actually make any difference—then this book is for you. Join Jenny and see for yourself what everyday antiracism looks like.

©2022 Jenny Booth Potter (P)2022 eChristian

Important and informative read for all, especially white people

I so appreciate Jenny writing this book. As a fellow white woman raising two white sons, so much of what she said resonated with me. The lessons she has learned and unlearned, and the stumbles she’s made along the way are so closely aligned with my own path toward being an antiracist person. She weaves in personal stories along with suggestions and tips, so it reads as an interesting glimpse into her process, rather than just a “how to” book. I especially appreciate that she shares ways her family weaves this modeling into the raising of their children. As she says, so many of us are troubled by our country’s racist history (and present) but struggle with the questions “what can we do?” or “where should we start?.” If you, like me, have asked those very questions, I recommend this as a great place to start – or continue – the crucial lifelong antiracism effort.

Challenging, inspiring, incredibly well written

This book is the the perfect mix of storytelling and actionable ways of digging into our own feelings about racial injustice. As a white mom of two white daughters who grew up in a Christian household, I have often wondered how I could make a difference, what to tell my kids, whether there was a place for me in the fight for equality and have felt overwhelmed with the fear of saying/doing the wrong thing. Jenny’s story helped me tremendously, I highly recommend it.

Necessary for white women interested in learning to be and do better!

Absolutely necessary book for white women that want to do better and be better in overcoming racist systems all around us. The author is gentle and reaffirms that perfection is not the goal and to instead focus on personal growth and progress. I really valued the way she fearlessly identified so many ways in our churches and schools that our actions may not be matching our hopes and that we can’t wait for someone else to do the work. While I know enough not to think a white woman writing about racist work is not the ideal, I do think that it felt genuine to hear from another white woman what her journey has been like and how I can reflect better on myself.

There were so many great quotes and these are just two that really helped me see my part.

“Anyone white, like us, benefited from the racist ways systems and structures operated, no matter when our ancestors arrived.”
-Jenny B Potter

“I repent of times I said or did nothing in the face of ignorance, racist remarks hidden behind, “It’s just a joke”, and the perpetuation of stereotypes. I repent of trusting timelines and rationales and excuses that obstructed true discipleship, true justice, and opportunities for the beginning of healing and reconciliation. I repent of times when I worked alongside black and brown friends convinced that if we just showed the white people in the room their scars, their fresh wounds, and their pain, that eyes would be opened, hearts and minds convinced.”
-Jenny B Potter