Becoming Trustworthy
White Allies
In Becoming Trustworthy White Allies, long-time antiracist facilitator Melanie S. Morrison outlines the actions white people must undertake to become partners in the work of racial justice. In this collection of essays, lectures, and real-life stories, Morrison addresses how white people can navigate the obstacles to becoming an ally so that they can step up with courage, humility, and consistency to participate in BIPOC-led organizations while helping move other white people to greater antiracist awareness and action. Morrison describes the required steps toward allyship: Moving through shame and guilt, nurturing truth-telling relationships of support and accountability, challenging practices and policies that protect white privilege, moving out of social segregation, working from a place of self-love, and staying on the antiracist journey. Now, as always, it is imperative that white people commit to doing the deep work and learning required to become life-long trustworthy allies.
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Pre-order: https://www.dukeupress.edu/becoming-trustworthy-white-allies
(Release Date: September 19, 2025)
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Praise
Becoming Trustworthy White Allies is for all those white readers who are ready to consider their personal stake in racial justice and who want to take a deeper dive into what it means to be a white person navigating a racist, white supremacy system. Using storytelling, essays, letters, and reflection pieces, Melanie S. Morrison speaks most powerfully to those who need help and support grasping the subtle nuances of how racism works both in the world and in the individual white psyche.” - Tema Okun, author of White Supremacy Culture: Still Here
“Through the well-reasoned and creative pieces complied in this collection, Morrison provides a map for navigating the complexities of white allyship. Becoming Trustworthy White Allies signposts ways in which white people can authentically engage in antiracist work toward racial justice by confronting biases, understanding privilege, and building meaningful solidarity with communities of color. This compelling work models a commitment to the journey of combating systemic oppression.” - Donald E. Quist, author of To Those Bounded“
Pre-order: https://www.dukeupress.edu/becoming-trustworthy-white-allies
(Release Date: September 19, 2025)