Join Keuka College’s Community Read: ‘Me and White Supremacy’

The book explores what it means to have white privilege.

Monday, December 21, 2020

After the success of Keuka College’s first Community Read of “White Fragility” over the summer, we will continue the discussion with another book that explores white privilege. 

“Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor,” by Layla F. Saad, is the next Keuka College Community Read, and will be facilitated by College Chaplain Eric Detar.

“As we continue the conversation around anti-racism, Layla Saad’s book encourages us to move beyond the key concepts that we explored while reading ‘White Fragility’ and places an emphasis on personal action,” says Assistant Dean of Students and Director of the Office of Intercultural Engagement Jamyra Young, who will particiapte in the discussion. 

The 2020 book, with a foreword by Robin DiAngelo—author of “White Fragility”—leads readers on a tough journey that examines white privilege and the often-hidden mechanisms of white supremacy and systemic racism. White readers learn how to dismantle the racism within themselves so that they can stop inflicting damage on people of color (even if unconsciously) and encourage similar behavior among other white people.

All members of the College Community are encouraged to participate in this group book discussion. Weekly discussions centered on issues raised by the book will begin via Zoom on Monday, Jan. 11. Only those who register will have access to the weekly Zoom link to join the discussion, so please take a moment today to register online. All participants must register no later than Monday, Jan. 11, at 10 a.m.

While all participants are asked to purchase a personal copy of the book, a limited number of digital and audiobooks will be available for those unable to do so. Participants are also encouraged to use the companion journal of the same name as they read for reference during the group discussions. 

Each online session will begin at noon and run for approximately one hour. The Community Read schedule is as follows:

• Jan. 11: Part I: Welcome to the Work AND Part II: The Work, Week 1: The Basics

• Jan. 18: Part II: The Work, Week 2: Anti-Blackness, Racial Stereotypes, and Cultural Appropriation

• Jan. 25: Part II: The Work, Week 3: Allyship

• Feb. 1: Part II: The Work, Week 4: Power, Relationships, and Commitment AND Now What? Continuing the Work After Day 28