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I'm Still Here
I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness | Austin Channing Brown
142 posts | 158 read | 180 to read
A leading new voice on race and justice lays bare what it's like to grow up a black woman in white Christian America, in this idea-driven memoir about how her determined quest for identity, understanding, and justice shows a way forward for us all. "I had to learn to love blackness," Austin Channing Brown writes near the beginning of this searing, page-turning memoir. As a black woman whose parents gave her a white man's name, Austin grew up attending white, Christian schools and has spent most of her life navigating the choppy waters of racial inequality, gender, assimilation, and cultural conflicts that have played out at large in stories of police violence, campus unrest, and the national conversation over Black Lives Matter. I'M STILL HERE is a book about how, even in a time when predominantly white institutions (churches, school, universities, etc.) are trying to get it right, there remain many ways in which we are blinded to the realities and effects of racial bias in our midst. Having stood in that gap as a leading speaker and practitioner helping churches and faith-based universities to practice genuine ethnic inclusion, Austin shares her experience as a way of holding a mirror up to the failures and blind spots of white culture--pinpointing the injustice in us that produces injustice in the world--while also offering the hope of her conviction that God is still working in the world, and can help us in our efforts to make that world a more just place.
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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

Powerful, impactful, and important. Even better on #audio, read by the author. #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Great progress!!! 7mo
60 likes1 comment
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DimeryRene
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Really enjoyed (learned a lot) this memoir of Brown‘s experience being a black woman in white, Christian spaces. The religious aspects were lost on me, but the racial ones were not. Brown talks candidly about the constant aggressions she encounters while in her professional life.

Suet624 I really want to get to this one. 12mo
DimeryRene @Suet624 It‘s short and impactful. I hope you enjoy it when you get to it. 💚 12mo
22 likes2 comments
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DimeryRene
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Pickpick

The first hour of this book is incredibly eye-opening. I love the narration, Brown writes in a way that just shows how these shocking and wild stories are just normal for black people in white spaces.

21 likes1 stack add
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Amandakay
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Pickpick

Wow!

DimeryRene This is next on my list! 13mo
17 likes1 comment
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TheBookHippie
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✊🏼

SamAnne 💯💯💯 13mo
50 likes1 stack add1 comment
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CogsOfEncouragement
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Pickpick

Excellent and meaningful.
I care. I‘m listening.

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CogsOfEncouragement
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Started this on a morning walk. #FridayReads

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BarbaraJean
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Feelin‘ a little called out today…

I love this challenge from Austin Channing Brown to actually read the work of MLK. Because while I‘ve taught his “Letter from Birmingham Jail” and his “I Have a Dream” speech, and one of my regular editing clients is an MLK scholar, I can‘t say that I‘ve read much beyond those two main works and all the quotes I hunt down come MLK Day each year. Any recs from those who‘ve spent more time with MLK‘s writing?

TheBookHippie Signet has a nice 2y
BarbaraJean @TheBookHippie Thank you so much! I‘ve seen Where Do We Go From Here referenced a lot, so I think I‘ll start there! 2y
TheBookHippie @BarbaraJean It is unreal how relevant it is. 2y
47 likes5 comments
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LibrarianBecky
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Pickpick

I‘ve been on a reading slump .. well maybe not a complete slump .. I have 2 ADHD books half done and an audiobook on the go as well! This book was mind altering .. in a good way. Diversity should really mean what it says with actions. Great perspective book .. highly recommend!!

14 likes1 stack add
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behudd
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I actually read this back in January with the English department where I work, and then recommended it to the antiracism book club I‘m in with some friends, and so I‘ve read through it again.
Honestly ACB gives so much in this book I feel like I could just continually reread this & continually pull out new & impactful thoughts.
If you haven‘t read this one, it‘s one that needs to be on your list.

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DGRachel
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Pickpick

This was a short but powerful listen, and there were times I was exceedingly uncomfortable, but that‘s the point. Brown has life experiences that are so horrific in their normalcy. My only caution is that it is heavy handed with the Christianity, so if you are someone who objects to that or can‘t see the greater message beyond that, maybe skip this particular anti-racism book.

70 likes1 stack add
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paulareadsallthetime
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️A book with plenty to think about

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behudd
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Austin, a Black woman with a white man‘s name, as she says, wrote a stunner of a book. It was very interesting how similar our situations were, growing up in mostly white, mostly Christian spaces. And now that I attend a predominantly Black church and am raising a Black child, I felt connected to so many parts of her story.
And yet.
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behudd So much she says is different, is painful, is the real, haunting, holy truth, and that is what I have not experienced. I‘m really grateful to Black authors who take the time and energy to show us these places that we, white people&especially, for this work, white Christians, have been willingly blind to. If you are a white Christian doing antiracism work, this is a must read.& if you‘re a white Christian not doing the work, your first read is here (edited) 3y
j9brown Great review, thanks for sharing! 3y
Chelsea.Poole Great review! 3y
24 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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kspenmoll
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#12booksof2020 #day9 #9ladiesdancing
#memoir
Honest and raw. Bearing witness to black women living in a white middle class world.

58 likes2 stack adds
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vonnie862
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Pickpick

Thought provoking book.

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Gillyreads
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See also Australia

LeeRHarry Truth 3y
11 likes1 comment
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WorldsOkayestStepMom
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Pickpick

Powerful book, hands down a must read.

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WorldsOkayestStepMom
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I'm glad I chose this book to be my 85th for the year. It has shown me that even though I try to be anti-racist, I still have a LONG way to go. "Rare is the ministry praying that they would be worthy of the giftedness of Black minds and hearts."

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Gillyreads
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bio_chem06
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Pickpick

I‘m still trying to put in the work. I need to do better, we all do....

15 likes2 stack adds
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bio_chem06
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Sometimes you just need a night time puppy pile....

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Gillyreads
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LisaLovesToRead
Pickpick

Intense. Hard to read at moments, but she carries a strong message.

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Jebpix
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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bio_chem06
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Just when I think I'm so well read, I put together a humbling pie chart for the year to remind myself, I have to do better....
#readharder

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tenar
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Pickpick

A short, powerful, beautifully written memoir about the author‘s experiences with racism in middle class, predominantly white spaces, particularly Christian churches & outreach organizations.

She makes clear how the myth of a post-racial America and the way many white Christians see kindness as the antithesis of racism both block true reconciliation. I‘d imagine this book may be especially valuable for Christians, but I hope it‘s read widely.

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JoyBlue
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Pickpick

I'm Still Here read as less overtly instructive than some of the current anti-racist books (which is a criticism of none). It's (still) illuminating and compelling. Strong pick.

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Annie1215
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Pickpick

So glad this was my #bookspin pick this month

I‘m so grateful that black women use their voices & stories to educate those around them, as they do this to exhaustion daily. I don‘t necessarily connect to the religious context of Brown‘s experience, but the purpose of this is to become acquainted with someone else‘s perspective. This was a great quick read for anyone interested to learn more about microagressions and what it‘s like to live them.

TheAromaofBooks Great progress! 3y
61 likes3 stack adds1 comment
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Annie1215
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Austin Channing Brown referencing Audre Lorde while speaking about harnessing and embracing her anger.

44 likes1 stack add
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Books88
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Current audiobook 🎧

78 likes3 stack adds
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Annie1215
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Here‘s my very messy thrown together #bookspinbingo board. I‘m excited to get going, I think this will be a really productive month.

My #bookspin is “I‘m still here” and my #doublespin is “The Night Swim” which I‘ve already started!

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! Looks great!!! 3y
54 likes1 comment
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dicey78
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Pickpick

This should be required reading in high school. Excellent

kspenmoll Agree!!! 3y
7 likes1 comment
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sebrittainclark
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1. I'm Still Here by Austin Channing Brown

2. To Be Taught If Fortunate by Becky Chambers

3. I feel so extraordinarily happy and free when I read that I‘m convinced it could make everything else in my life bearable, if only I could have books all the time. - Unorthodox by Deborah Feldman

#weekendreads @rachelsbrittain

cleoh I started I‘m Still Here this morning! 3y
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Lcsmcat
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Pickpick

This book isn‘t finished with me. I need to read it again, note my points of defensiveness, figure out how to do better, repeat. I‘m looking forward to discussing it on Zoom Sunday and hope I get at least one complete reread in by then. Please, read this.

62 likes2 stack adds
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Lcsmcat
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Starting this today for my church‘s Racial Justice discussion group next Sunday. (Via Zoom, of course.) #blm #EpiscopalChurch #AllAreWelcome

45 likes1 stack add
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Linsy
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Pickpick

Saw this at the store and had to snap a pic! I listened to this beauty earlier this year and it was SO SO good — for anyone, but especially those of us who don‘t know what it‘s like to be black in America. I particularly loved that it gave a Christian perspective as I grew up very religious. Highly recommend! #blacklivesmatter #hellosunshine

85 likes2 stack adds
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BekaReid
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shadowspeak17
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a short book but definitely a good one. Pick it up if you get the chance!

#catsoflitsy #Phoenix

rubyslippersreads 😻😻😻 4y
Kappadeemom Oh my, that face! 🥰 4y
AlaMich Floofy face! 😻 4y
48 likes3 comments
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LatrelWhite
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Finishing up!

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vlwelser
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Pickpick

This is really well written. I felt like a friend was talking to me. It's really interesting to see the world from her perspective. It's a bit heavy on the God stuff, but otherwise definitely enjoyable.

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Christinak
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Pickpick

This was a really well written easy to read book. I‘m so glad I picked this up.

#hellosunshine

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Findabhair
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Pickpick

As for I‘m done reading this now, I‘m ready to write my review. It‘s a really well written book, and very insightful for what life‘s like to POC. I highly recommend this to people who want to learn more about the world for POC. I don‘t want to add spoilers, just in case anyone was planning to read it any time soon. So yes, I recommend!

rockpools Welcome to Litsy! Hope you enjoy it here 😊 4y
UwannaPublishme Welcome to Litsy! 👋🏻📚🎉 4y
Findabhair @UwannaPublishme thank you! :) 4y
Findabhair @rockpools thanks! I‘m enjoying it so far! 4y
23 likes1 stack add4 comments
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Kenyazero
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Pickpick

Austin shares vivid experiences, feelings, and examples throughout this book. She makes powerful statements about equality, race and racism, and privledge. I skimmed a few sections where she spoke to a more Christian religious sentiment because her religion is very meaningful to her. #pocauthors #blm

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Findabhair
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Picked this book up from the library today. I can‘t wait to get into it.

wanderinglynn Welcome to Litsy! 👋🏻 4y
ElizaMarie Welcome to Litsy! I just started following you :) 4y
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julesG Welcome to Litsy! 4y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa Welcome to Litsy! Let us know how you like the new book. 4y
TheSpineView Welcome to Litsy! 😊 4y
eeclayton Welcome to Litsy! 🥳 4y
Findabhair @Riveted_Reader_Melissa thank you! I‘ll defiantly let you guys know. :) 4y
Findabhair @ElizaMarie thanks! I just started following you too! 😁 4y
Findabhair @eeclayton thank you so much! 🙂 4y
Findabhair @TheSpineView thanks so much! 🙂 4y
Findabhair @julesG thank you so much! 😁 4y
TheSpineView @Findabhair ❤📚🤩 4y
effani Welcome to Litsy! 4y
Booknerd2 Welcome to Litsy!! I can‘t wait to see your thoughts on this book. 4y
magyklyXdelish Welcome to litsy 🤗🤗🤗🤗 4y
BookmarkTavern Welcome to Litsy! 🎉📚🎉 4y
Pogue Hi 4y
SW-T Loved that book! Hope you enjoy. Welcome to Litsy! #litsywelcomewagon 4y
MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm Welcome to Litsy! ❤️😊❤️ 4y
Findabhair @effani thank you! :) 4y
Findabhair @Booknerd2 thanks! So far so good!! :D 4y
Findabhair @magyklyXdelish thank you!🙂 4y
Findabhair @ozma.of.oz thanks!! 😁 4y
Findabhair @Pogue hello! :) 4y
Findabhair @SW-T thanks! I certainly am enjoying it so far! 4y
Eggs Welcome to Litsy 🥳🤗 4y
30 likes1 stack add29 comments
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jackilynn
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Pickpick

Another powerful and important read.

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ncsufoxes
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Pickpick

“Racism never went away, it just evolved.” I thought this was such a great book. It is hard work becoming an ally and always learning. I unfortunately can‘t change the world myself but I can teach my kids and try to educate others. I want my kids to know and understand so much more than what is quickly glossed over in schools. That is why I need to continue to empower myself and understand what others experience

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Booknerd2
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Pickpick

I was sad and hopeless after this book, like nothing I would do could change anything for the better. If I feel this way, with my whiteness, how must the author feel. Then I felt worse. After stewing, processing and reflecting I realized all I can do is all I can do. I can only control me. My thoughts, words, actions towards others! Thank you Austin Channing Brown for this thought provoking and soul searching book!!!

51 likes3 stack adds
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AmberWB
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Pickpick

I am so glad I read this. I have been reading a number of books that are more data and statistic driven and while they have a lot of great information, first person experiences stick with me more. I learned a lot from this book and it has led to a lot of self reflection on my part. It is a fairly quick read. Highly recommend.

27 likes1 stack add
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suvata
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Pickpick

#ReeseWitherspoon Book Club July 2020 pick

I‘m so glad to have read this little book in light of today‘s (2020) unrest. I wish I could have a loving conversation with Austin. I know that inside we are the same. Her ending says it all. “When the sun happens to shine, I bask in the rays. But I know I cannot stay there. That is not my place to stand. So I abide in the shadows, and let hope have its day and its death. It is my duty to live anyway.”

63 likes3 stack adds