Examining the implications and impacts of advocating for Black power in contemporary culture.
I am often asked by white folks what is your book about? I always answer, “For lack of a better way, it is a book on Anti-racism.” I really wanted to say it is about being Pro-Black. I know that my folks often want to be catered to in order to get them to open up to change. Yet, catering supports us to hold on to virtues of a culture that actually harms us as well.
Our egos are boosted by the prestige of American/European culture which created a system supporting the idea that having less melanin makes us superior to darker humans. The truth hurts in general. When you want to believe you are great, and in actuality you may have a
disability rather than a superior feature, it stings.
Come on now. We can’t even be outside on the planet that gives us life’s surface too long or the sun, which gives us energy, may burn us. There is nothing superior about that.
The seven steps in Race for What are designed to take readers through a journey from white power ideology, which is harmful and deceitful in nature, to black empowerment which is culturally just, connected, and caring. Our journey to healing begins with facing our weaknesses and the fact that we have been weaponized by the people in power, to letting go and repairing the harm of culture, to being led by a different approach towards humanity.
And humanity is more enjoyable for all of us.
About JD Mass
JD is an inspiring activist and entrepreneur, whose life journey has been influenced by his experiences within the black community and firsthand encounters with racism. Raised in a diverse community in St. Louis, JD witnessed the effects of discrimination and cultural differences, igniting a profound curiosity about the root causes of bigotry and racism.
From a young age, JD demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit, co-founding a tennis teaching organization with his then college coach. After graduating with a degree in finance, he played a significant role in structuring early business ventures for renowned artist Nelly, including Apple Bottoms Jeans and Derrty Entertainment.
In 2017, JD achieved his doctorate in Organizational Psychology, and he subsequently became deeply involved in white antiracism groups, first in Los Angeles and later in St. Louis. A pivotal moment occurred during a conversation with a black man involved in the movement for justice, who challenged JD to identify the steps to healing racism. Inspired by his journey and the insights gained from his anti-racism work, JD authored the transformative book “Race for What?” The book consists of lessons from his journey and seven steps to healing the harms of racism and create a humane world.
JD has been through this process of change and shares seven steps to healing the harm of our culture.
1. Don’t Move – Seek Understanding: Start with the “Why”
2. Acknowledge the Harm: Let’s look past the surface of racism into the approach that harms us all
3 .Letting Go of Privilege, Power and Fear: This is where the healing can begin. Letting go opens us up to new opportunities and frees us from the weight of harm
4. Appreciate the Value of Others: Give credit where credit it due.
5. Repair the harm: The benefits of healing is far greater than we know.
6. Being Led by a New Mind: We don’t know what we don’t know
7. Manifest Humanity: Together we can do it.
Learn more: https://raceforwhat.com/
#BlackPower #CulturalIdentity #SocialJustice
