I hope you are all doing well this summer. And, if possible, avoiding the heat! We were able to escape the Atlanta summer briefly and spend some time in Bar Harbor, Maine. To those that provided ideas on what to do while there, thank you!

Side Notes

My new goal in life is to be this kid.

If you haven’t picked up Michael McCathren’s book on innovation, and you’re into that kind of thing, please do that now! It’s just fantastic, and I’m not saying that because my publishing company published it. Or because he’s one of the smartest and most generous people I know, which he is. (Also, if you know someone—or are someone—who wants to write a book and needs a publisher, please let me know!)

My next book, the 4th in the Turnaround Leadership Series, is in the final stages of editing. I’ve been working on this one for about three years, and it dives into a topic that is near and dear to my heart: building an undeniable culture. Should be out in October or November 👍

My 5 favorite books on race and social justice

In 2012-13, I went through a program called Leadership Atlanta. It was one of the defining moments of my life as it started the process of exposing me to the privilege that I have in the world.

It’s why I landed on my Purpose of having an outsized, positive impact on the world.

It’s why I co-founded both 48in48, Ripples of Hope, and The A Pledge.

It’s why Dragon Army is a purpose-driven company, and why we’re in the final stages of becoming a B Corp. (Here’s a podcast I did talking about what a B Corp is and why it’s important.)

And so, since 2013, I’ve been on a path of education to learn more about how groups that do not share my privilege—specifically People of Color, women, LGBTQ+, people experiencing disabilities, and non-Christians—experience the world. And how I can be an ally to them, using my privilege to help in some way.

Most of my education has come from conversations with friends, watching documentaries/movies, and reading books. A lot of books. And up until this point, probably 75% of those books have been focused on race and social justice.

The List

This was a hard list to create, but as of today, these are the five books that I highly recommend my friends—especially my white friends—consider reading. Each of them blew me away and changed the way I see the world.

The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness

This is the first book I read that I could say is on the topic of race. Wow. (A similar and equally powerful book is Evicted.)

Parting the Waters: America in the King Years 1954-63

Amazing view into the beginnings of the social justice movement of the 1950s and 60s, with a particular focus on Dr. King. Many see it as the definitive book on this time period. I was able to interview the author of this book (who won a Pulitzer Prize for it) on my podcast.

Mediocre: The Dangerous Legacy of White Male America

This is the one I wish all my white male friends would read. Some of you may unsubscribe from this newsletter simply because I’m recommending this book. But it’s so important to understand…us.

Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own

I finished this book last week while in Maine, and I think I highlighted more passages in this it than any other book I’ve read (and I’m a big highlighter, y’all). This book helps put into perspective a great deal of what we’re experiencing today.

His Truth Is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope

So powerful. While I had the chance to meet John Lewis a time or two, I never had the opportunity to have a conversation with him. He’s one of my heroes, and after you read this book, he’ll be one of yours.

The Point

Honestly, there are so many great books to choose from, and I think the list of my favorites changes daily. Here are a few more to consider (because I couldn’t help it): Just Mercy, Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together In The Cafeteria?, and Caste.

Ok, I have to stop there but the list could go on.

Empathy is the key to most of life’s problems. If we could see someone else’s side of things—their pain, their point of view, how they see the world and how the world sees them—we’d be much more willing to be kind and respectful and lend someone a hand when they are in need. (Like the boy in the video I shared earlier in this newsletter…you gotta see how sweet he is.)

I truly believe that empathy is the key to life, and one way to build more empathy in yourself is to read books about other people’s lives.

And if you do read one of these books, please report back on what you thought. I’d also love to know what books you would put on your list!