The Black Friend

On Being a Better White Person

By: Frederick Joseph

Narrated by: Miebaka Yohannes

Writing from the perspective of a friend, Frederick Joseph offers candid reflections on his own experiences with racism and conversations with prominent artists and activists about theirs - creating an essential listen for white people who are committed anti-racists and those newly come to the cause of racial justice.

“We don’t see color.” “I didn’t know Black people liked Star Wars!” “What hood are you from?” For Frederick Joseph, life as a transfer student in a largely white high school was full of wince-worthy moments that he often simply let go. As he grew older, however, he saw these as missed opportunities not only to stand up for himself, but to spread awareness to those white people who didn’t see the negative impact they were having.

Speaking directly to the listener, The Black Friend calls up race-related anecdotes from the author’s past, weaving in his thoughts on why they were hurtful and how he might handle things differently now. Each chapter features the voice of at least one artist or activist, including Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give; April Reign, creator of #OscarsSoWhite; Jemele Hill, sports journalist and podcast host; and 11 others. Touching on everything from cultural appropriation to power dynamics, “reverse racism” to white privilege, microaggressions to the tragic results of overt racism, this book serves as conversation starter, tool kit, and invaluable window into the life of a former “token Black kid” who now presents himself as the friend many listeners need. Includes an encyclopedia of racism, providing details on relevant historical events, terminology, and more.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2020 by Frederick Joseph, original book published by Candlewick Press. (P)2020 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"With a commanding, but still friendly and relatable presence, narrator [Miebaka] Yohannes gives authentic voice to the exasperation, fear, and anger; as well as the pride and hope of author Frederick Joseph’s experiences as the 'Black friend.'" - Booklist

"Narrator Miebaka Yohannes replicates the inviting conversational tone of Frederick Joseph's audiobook…. The balance of humor and sincerity creates a powerful audio for parents and teens to share." - AudioFile Magazine, An Earphones Award Winner

“The Black Friend is THE book everyone needs to read right now. Frederick Joseph has written an essential window into the movement toward anti-racism. Read it, absorb it, and be changed because of it.” - Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give

excellent audio book

This was an eye opening book please give it a listen. I would recommend this to everyone.

i enjoy the reading

this made me think of my own upbringing and all the times i felt this way about things but couldn't put it into words, nor did i know how to express it. 1 to 7th grade all i had was white friends. now i realize some weren't my friends and that's probably why i felt some kind of way. .

Something for everybody

This book is Magic from “Life Balance” and “Being confortable in your own skin” Thank you Dr Kim for sharing

A moving treatise

A moving treatise on white people's role in anti-racism. I do highly recommend this book!

A gift of a book

Every song and video he tells you to stop and Spotify/Google are worth it! #naima This book is a gift. As a white person in America trying to understand the lived-experience of my black friends and colleagues, thank you for making this available and shared, and for the chance to listen.

Also shoutout to Miebaka Yonahhes for the conversational and familiar reading style and delivery - it did nothing but enhance the content!

Excellent starter

This book is a great starter book for learning about white supremacy and race. I could it pretty basic. An excellent intro. If you’re beginning to examine your own white privilege, start here. The author is very friendly indeed.

Much Needed

I love how Fredrick tackles this subject. I needed to hear all of it and I plan to be an accomplice, like Mr. Owens.

A Must Read

Every white person middle school age and older who wants to do better should read this book.

Invaluable insight given

I listened to this from beginning to end non-stop. I already knew that as a white person, there is no way I will ever fully understand what it is to be black. With this in mind, I am still determined to learn as much as I can. I want to be an accomplice! It isn't enough to learn, we need to DO. It is waaay beyond time to stop this madness. Frederick Joseph shares his deeply personal experiences with us. These same experiences have all too often been shared by my friends of color.
I am the double-whammy, a white woman. Even though I believed I was not racist, last year opened my eyes to how I have unknowingly perpetuated the insidious systemic racism. This book, along with others such as "White Fragility," and the generous and painful sharing of experiences by my Black friends has helped to set a new course. Frederick helped me to see more clearly what it is to truly be an accomplice. I will listen to this again and will be buying this for my family and friends.

Every white person needs to read this

Frederick Joseph’s encyclopedia of racism alone makes this book worth more than its weight in gold.