Anti-racism work cannot be reduced to a single checklist of “dos” and “don’ts.”
As society shifts its perspective on true allyship―moving from being “not racist” to “anti-racist”―White allies are being called upon to actively work toward changing the status quo. However, the vast majority of resources on this topic emphasize educating allies about anti-racism without teaching them how to actually do anti-racism work. This leaves well-meaning allies feeling stuck, frustrated, and afraid of getting it wrong.
Beyond Fragility fills this undeniable gap by providing you with a concrete, step-by-step approach to effective anti-racism allyship. Filled with case examples, guided reflections, and skill-building exercises, this book provides you with the skills to:
• Understand and avoid common mishaps in anti-racist work, such as misunderstanding what racism is, not knowing how to recognize racism, or not having a clear anti-racist identity
• Cope with intense emotions like guilt, fear, hopelessness, and anger that may arise when discussing racism and privilege
• Navigate complex interpersonal interactions, whether it’s validating the experiences of BIPOC peers, recovering from a racist misstep, or speaking out against racist comments
Anti-racist allyship is not an innate essence―nor is it something you were born knowing how to do. But with the tools in this book, you can learn new skills that allow you to engage in impactful and sustainable allyship in every space you occupy.
Pre-order your copy of Beyond Fragility here!
Praise for Beyond Fragility
Praise for Beyond Fragility
What are folks saying about Beyond Fragility?
Dr. Robin Diangelo
“Well-intentioned white people often fear saying or doing something wrong across race, leaving them immobilized and ineffective. This accessible guidebook goes beyond the “what” of anti-racist allyship and provides the "how." Through exercises, reflection questions, and familiar scenarios, Beyond Fragility supports potential white allies in developing the skills and agency to break through immobilization and stay true to the on-going commitment of anti-racism allyship.”
Author of White Fragility and Nice Racism
Dr. Rheeda walker
“Beyond Fragility is a powerfully instructive guide that reduces the defensiveness, uncertainty, and discomfort that many white people experience when it comes to confronting racial inequality. Its scientifically informed skills are drawn from the foundational principles of dialectical behavior therapy, making it a must-read for anyone who is devoted to embracing anti-racist allyship and actually DOING the work.”
Author of The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health
Dr. Helen A. Neville
"Beyond Fragility" is a groundbreaking guide that transcends rhetoric, providing a practical roadmap for effective anti-racist allyship. This is an essential resource for anyone interested in dismantling racism. Mekawi, Watson-Singleton and Dawson offer a framework to dissect and confront the intricate web of racism on individual, cultural, and systemic fronts. What sets this book apart is its hands-on approach, providing concrete activities that cultivate awareness and empower allies with tangible tools.
Rooted in skills development, "Beyond Fragility" navigates the journey to adopting an antiracist identity, emphasizing the crucial alignment of values and identity with the principles of antiracism. The narrative dives into the messiness of this transformation, incorporating case studies, assessments, and reflection prompts throughout, transforming the material into a living, breathing guide. This meticulously crafted resource identifies and offers insights to overcome barriers to effective allyship, ensuring that readers emerge equipped to build anti-racist skills in the real world.
"Beyond Fragility" is not just a book; it's an indispensable companion for those committed to genuine change.”
Professor and President of APA Division 17
KC Davis, LPC
“I am completely blown away by Beyond Fragility. Ultimately, I agree with the authors that this is a book for White people that doesn’t center Whiteness. It does not center our comfort, our ignorance, or our fear of consequences—we are compelled to show up in more effective ways. As a therapist, I was immediately struck by the idea that we, as White allies, cannot do effective anti-racist work outside of our window of tolerance. That is part of why this book is so unique and powerful—the authors acknowledge that as allies, we cannot solely educate ourselves into anti-racism. We must use our emotional regulation skills, and these emotional regulation skills are anti-racist skills. The authors also perfectly balance compassion and conviction by tapping into the deeply human nature of the anti-racism process. They neither coddle nor condemn; while reading, I felt as though I was speaking to a longtime trusted therapist. Even as someone who has been on the anti-racism journey for many years, Beyond Fragility clarified my own thinking and I look forward to coming back to it again and again.”
Author of How to Keep House While Drowning and creator of @strugglecare
Dr. Kevin Nadal
“If you’re a White person in the United States and you want to be a better ally or social justice advocate, then Beyond Fragility is the book for you. Through digestible definitions and easy-to-follow worksheets, the authors have gifted readers with an opportunity to explore their racial biases, to challenge the problematic messages they have been socialized with, and to develop and practice the skill sets needed to fight against racism in their everyday lives. What I appreciate most about the book is that it acknowledges the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral difficulties that White people may face when confronting racism, while reminding them that they must work consciously and intentionally hard to transform our society into one that is equitable and anti-racist.”
Author of Distinguished Professor, Past President of Asian American Psychological Association, Author of Microaggressions and Traumatic Stress