The More Aware, More Culturally Competent Version of Yourself

"Black women are so angry."

"I just don't understand Black women."

"What are Black women always complaining about?"

"Why do Black women think they're owed something?"

"Don't Black women know we're post-racial?"

If you – or anyone you know or have heard – has uttered or thought these or similar phrases, you should read more books written by Black women.

Here is a short list of books I've read. You should read them too.

Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge

Real American by Julie Lythcott-Haims

So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo

Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? by Beverly Daniel Tatum

A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde

Eloquent Rage by Brittney Cooper

Black Macho and The Myth of the SuperWoman by Michelle Wallace

White Rage by Carol Anderson

The History of White People by Nell Irvin Painter

How to Be Less Stupid About Race by Crystal Fleming

This is not an exhaustive list. It's a start.

As you read these books, read with non-judgment, anti-fragility, an urgency to expand your understanding, and an intention to radically shift your perspective.

Then, enjoy the new more aware, more culturally competent version of yourself.