Witnessing Whiteness

Witnessing Whiteness invites readers to consider their relationship to whiteness, the lingering shadows of racism, and the value of cultivating a self-reflective practice related to racial identity. The book includes personal testimony from well-respected cultural workers across race, such as Luis Rodriguez (author of Always Running), to offer dialogue not found anywhere else that illustrates how whiteness embeds itself in our psyche, lingers through continued social conditioning, and affects cross-race interactions as well as our ability to dismantle systems that uphold white dominance and oppression. In the midst of confusing and often contradictory messages, this new edition explains why developing an anti-racist white identity is an important part of cultivating an effective antiracist practice and is a necessary part of subverting the weaponizing of white identity cultivated by the far right.

During this moment of "racial reckoning," the persistent question my white colleagues ask is: "What can I do?" I tell them: "Read Witnessing Whiteness." With authentic and vulnerable storytelling, Shelly Tochluk helps readers harness the courage to witness how whiteness shapes their lives and their relationships with People of Color. Importantly, this is not offered as an individual effort, but work to be done within the white community. With this foundation, my white colleagues and friends are better prepared to join me as partners in transforming our institutions and systems.--Vincent C. Flewellen, AVP, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer, Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri, Accessing the amazing experiences and wisdom of activists, thinkers, writers, and mythologists on the front lines of racial issues in this country, Shelly Tochluk brings to light the most important book about race in a generation. Is 'whiteness' bad in itself? And what is the prison/poison that this legacy bequeaths to us? I highly recommend this book - it's helping to raise race dialogue to a more healing and regenerative ground.--Luis J. Rodriquez, author of Always Runnings and From Our Land to Our Land, In a country polarized by either/or thinking, Witnessing Whiteness uses a both /and approach to help white folks step into their full humanity and courageously witness how whiteness shapes them. It gently nudges and inspires, offering a path toward a healthy, anti racist white identity that allows for authentic pride and joy. With sharp and clear analysis informed by a deeps desire for transformative justice, Tochluk offers true life examples, practical tools, and lessons you will refer back to time and time again. This is a must-have for any white person who cares about racial justice.--Aisha Blanchard-Young, Human Rights Consultant organizing for racial and social justice, California Teachers Association, The first time I read Witnessing Whiteness, it was a revelation. Now, in its third edition, Tochluk continues to deepen my racial consciousness of how whiteness informs my perspective and understanding. If you have ever wondered why race matters as a white person, read this book. If you feel you understand it all, read this book. No matter how many times you read it, there is always more to learn within these pages. This book has been the foundation of my work towards antiracism.--Jenna Chandler-Ward, Co-founder of Teaching While White

Shelly Tochluk is a professor at Mount Saint Mary’s University–Los Angeles. She is the author of Witnessing Whiteness: The Need to Talk About Race and How to Do It and Living in the Tension: The Quest for a Spiritualized Racial Justice. Free, downloadable workshop agendas and handouts aligned with each book are available at ShellyTochluk.com. Shelly volunteers with AWARE-LA (Alliance of White Anti-Racists Everywhere-Los Angeles). For the last 13 years, she has co-produced AWARE-LA’s 4-day summer institute titled, Unmasking Whiteness, which leads white people into a deeper understanding of their personal relationship to race, white privilege, and systemic racism.