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Brown Faces, White Spaces: Confronting Systemic Racism to Bring Healing and Restoration
The New York Times bestselling author of Be the Bridge calls people of faith to confront the historical inequities that still exist in so many American institutions—from our legal system and media to our schools and churches—and offers a path toward a future that better serves everyone .
Latasha Morrison, acclaimed racial justice advocate and author of the Christian Book Award® winner Be the Bridge, invites us to wrestle honestly with the disparities that negatively impact Brown and Black people. Weaving historical events with contemporary realities to reveal the generational effects of racism and inequality throughout American culture, Morrison illuminates a path toward lasting change, highlighting how each individual—and the church collectively—can play a role in building a future where all can thrive.
Drawing on rich sociological insights as well as experiences of family, friends, and her own life, Morrison documents what it takes to become a voice of liberation in all aspects of our daily lives,
Challenging yet hopeful, featuring Latasha Morrison’s rich storytelling as well as questions for personal reflection and group discussion, Brown Faces, White Spaces shows the steps we can all take to create a better tomorrow.
Includes questions for personal reflection and group discussion.
Latasha Morrison, acclaimed racial justice advocate and author of the Christian Book Award® winner Be the Bridge, invites us to wrestle honestly with the disparities that negatively impact Brown and Black people. Weaving historical events with contemporary realities to reveal the generational effects of racism and inequality throughout American culture, Morrison illuminates a path toward lasting change, highlighting how each individual—and the church collectively—can play a role in building a future where all can thrive.
Drawing on rich sociological insights as well as experiences of family, friends, and her own life, Morrison documents what it takes to become a voice of liberation in all aspects of our daily lives,
Challenging yet hopeful, featuring Latasha Morrison’s rich storytelling as well as questions for personal reflection and group discussion, Brown Faces, White Spaces shows the steps we can all take to create a better tomorrow.
Includes questions for personal reflection and group discussion.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published May 21, 2024
52 people are currently reading
1979 people want to read
About the author
LaTasha Morrison
11 books177 followersLatasha Morrison is a bridge-builder, reconciler and a compelling voice in the fight for racial justice. When she speaks, she expresses a passion for social justice issues across the globe.
She has taken her message to audiences across the country at events that include: IF: Gathering, Justice Conference, Youth Specialties, Catalyst, Barna's State of Pastors Conference, Orange Conference, MOPS International and many others.
A native of North Carolina, Tasha earned degrees in human development and business leadership. After excelling in corporate positions, she began working on staff at churches in Georgia and Texas.
At the heart of this incredible woman is encouraging racial reconciliation among all ethnicities, to promote racial unity in America, and to develop others to do the same.
To this end, in 2016 Latasha founded Be the Bridge to inspire and equip ambassadors of racial reconciliation
She has taken her message to audiences across the country at events that include: IF: Gathering, Justice Conference, Youth Specialties, Catalyst, Barna's State of Pastors Conference, Orange Conference, MOPS International and many others.
A native of North Carolina, Tasha earned degrees in human development and business leadership. After excelling in corporate positions, she began working on staff at churches in Georgia and Texas.
At the heart of this incredible woman is encouraging racial reconciliation among all ethnicities, to promote racial unity in America, and to develop others to do the same.
To this end, in 2016 Latasha founded Be the Bridge to inspire and equip ambassadors of racial reconciliation
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 6, 2024
This book was excellent. A survey of systemic racism, historical and present, in ten categories of society: education, healthcare, the justice system, the marketplace, the military, property ownership, entertainment, sports, and the church. I was broadly familiar with many of these broader themes and particular stories, and there were still many stories and details that I learned for the first time. In the sea of Christian books on some aspect of "race and religion in America" I really appreciate what this book sets out to do, and I would highly recommend it to anyone at any stage in their "journey."
August 22, 2025
Very Good in explaining the different environments in which racism occurs. With an emphasis in the past and present. Favorite quote: We equate history with the past, something that is done with, over. But the proximity of history must be determined by the impact it has on the present.
February 18, 2025
An excellent book, well researched and well written. The author clearly recounts historical examples of the material effects and costs of bigotry and prejudice. White people enacting exclusionary laws and establishing rules and practices that severely limit resources and opportunities for BIPOC [Black, Indigenous, people of color] individuals in the USA. She brings evidence of those practices into the context of our present day. Morrison doesn't stop there. She then describes and invited substantive action and outlines recourse to create change, restoration, healing, and equity in our society. Her methods are strongly based in Christian faith and theology, which is not a strategy I would embrace, since I am not Christian. Nevertheless, there is great need within Christian organizations for this kind of work and they could benefit from these strategies. I have benefitted from this book because I have learned a great deal and there are numerous suggestions in it I can utilize.
July 1, 2024
A Great Opportunity
This book provides a great opportunity for white people to learn learn about racism from people directly impacted by “white supremacy”
This book provides a great opportunity for white people to learn learn about racism from people directly impacted by “white supremacy”
May 22, 2024
Summary: A survey of systems that perpetuate disparity, inequity, or racism in various areas of society.
One of the aspects that is most frustrating to me within the church is the controversy that is liberation. Some people and parts of the church do not believe that liberation is a significant theme of what the church should be doing. There are various reasons for that. Some believe that liberation will only occur at the second coming of Christ, and some of those believe that working toward liberation will actually prolong Christ's return. Some do not believe that the church's work should involve physical realities and that the only liberation that should occur is spiritual liberation. So, it is not surprising that Latasha Morrison opens with a chapter on liberation, grounding the book in her survey of the themes of liberation found throughout the Bible. But honestly, the chapter just made me mad. I was angry not at what she said, but that she has to actually argue that liberation is something that the church should be involved in. This is such a central theme to both scripture and historic Christian theology that no book should need to make the case that liberation is something that we need to do.
The rest of the book is framed around nine areas of society where liberation needs to occur. She sets up a simple framework of Preparation, Dedication, and Liberation. Preparation is learning about and understanding society's problems so we can correctly address them. Dedication is the steps that we take to address those issues while girding ourselves for long-term efforts. And that is done with the goal of liberation for all people. Morrison is addressing these areas because they are areas that have been traditionally seen as "White Spaces" and they have a legacy of systemic inequality or discrimination.
This framing reminds me of Kevin Kruse's book White Flight, which is about the history of White Flight in Atlanta. One of the main points that Kruse makes in the book is that White people saw segregated spaces (parks, schools, transportation, etc.) as white spaces before desegregation. However, after integration, due to their cultural belief in white racial hierarchy, the spaces did not become shared spaces where all people had equal access, but as Black spaces where White people were no longer given priority. Kruse's thesis is that this view of public space is a significant impetus for the rise of political libertarianism and decreased investment in public goods. If public spaces no longer privileged White use, and White people did not "feel comfortable" in shared spaces, and White people began to use private spaces that were economically or geographically segregated as a proxy for racial segregation, then White people would stop supporting the use of tax funds on shared public goods that they had previously supported. Michelle McGhee has a similar approach in her book Sum of Us, where she tries to get White people to see that racial equity is not a zero-sum game.
The book opens with a history of educational segregation and the long-term impacts of that segregation, as well as the ways that disparity continues to exist within education. This is an area where I have both professional backgrounds (I am a program evaluator for an after-school program primarily working with minority students), and I have a personal connection to education with my wife as a teacher, and my mother-in-law was a principal in the district where my children attend elementary school. My wife and I intentionally enrolled our children in the school where she works because it is a school with a high minority population. The school is 90% racial minorities (mostly Black or Hispanic) and 70% low-income. A half mile from the school is another elementary school in the same district, which is 11% Black or Hispanic and 7% low-income. There are many historical and zoning reasons for the disparity. Still, it would be entirely possible to redesign the school boundaries so that both schools were equitable in income and racial diversity. But the divide remains. The school board itself is split between four White board members and three Black board members, although the student population has been predominately minority for over a decade. The racial acrimony on the board (race is a proxy for a political party) triggered an accreditation review with recommendations to be performed. Late last year, a judge threw out the district map for board members as an illegal gerrymander designed to maintain a White majority on the board.
The school my kids will attend for high school if they continue progressing with the students in their current school was opened in 1965, the year the district integrated. It was named for a Confederate general. In 2020, right before the election, the school board agreed to form a commission to review the naming of that high school and other schools in the district. After the election (where a predominately White and GOP board member was maintained), the school board dissolved the commission before its first meeting. When my wife and I were looking for a house, we looked at an open house where the seller's realtor toured us around the home. But he suggested that he take us to other homes in the area because the elementary school where that home was zone had a high rate of minority and immigrant children, and he didn't think that the school was very good. (My mother-in-law was the principal of that elementary school at the time, and it was one of the best in the district.) Most of the issues discussed in the chapter on education in Brown Faces White Spaces have local examples within my school district.
Other issues that are addressed are medical inequity, the criminal justice system and policing, minority double consciousness as a result of workplace discrimination and business practices, the military as an integrated and segregated space, land ownership, Black appropriation within entertainment and the interaction of sports and protest. All of these are handled well, focusing on revealing racial disparity and asking the reader to reflect on how the status quo systems maintain inequity even if it is not always a desired outcome.
One of the editorial decisions that some will disagree with is the widespread use of both Brown and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color) to mean all racial minorities in the US. There are a number of Black people in the US that have spoken out again BIPOC as a blanket term for all racial minorities when what is meant is Black. The lack of specificity is what is usually objected to, but in this case, she is using BIPOC inclusively, not as a way not to say Black. Similarly, there is a history of using the term Brown to be inclusive, but there is some objection to the term. Morrison is being inclusive in using Brown and BIPOC, but there will be some complaints about that choice.
Conservatives who object to discussing racial issues will still object to any discussion of the systemic nature of racism, even as she gives many examples of their systemic nature. Georgia and a few other states have passed laws banning the teaching of about systemic racism in public schools. The objection is that all discussion of systemic racism is rooted in Marxism and critical theory. Any who say that are ignoring the long history of objections to racial categories and hierarchy from the Black and Indigenous Christian communities that predated Marx. However, those objections will continue because they are not rooted in getting to the truth but were a means of dismissing racial concerns.
I think this survey is an excellent next book for Morrison because her focus is education, and one of the weaknesses of the Be The Bridge model is that it can be reduced to White consumption for pain for the purpose of White education. I don’t think that is the intent, but White ignorance of racial issues and resistance to the idea that White people can be ignorant of racial issues often means that White skepticism asks for more and more trauma to be revealed as proof of the problem. This is what Esau McCaulley is addressing in his How Far to the Promised Land when he shares the story about being asked, “What is the most racist thing you have ever experienced?” at a panel discussion.
A survey book like this, which is filled with a balance of stories and facts, will give a jumping off point for groups to have a discussion, and relate personal experiences, while not requiring members of the group to reveal their own pain and trauma, which they may not be ready to reveal to a group that has not yet proven itself safe.
I mostly listened to this as an audiobook. I am familiar with Latasha Morrison’s voice from her podcast and hearing her in-person at events where she spoke. I know her voice and her capabilities as a speaker. The editing and engineering of the audiobook were not up to the quality that I would generally expect. The audiobook is not so bad that I would not recommend it. But it is choppy, and the editing is not great. Some portions should be re-recorded and re-edited, and I guess the deadlines did not allow enough time for this to happen. I know Morrison is a good speaker, and I even went to a book launch where she read a portion of the book, which was clear and well-narrated. But the editing was mediocre. Again, I don’t think this is a matter of her skill; it is a matter of editing or a compressed schedule. I hope that the audiobook is re-edited to make it better. That being said, I did listen to almost all of the book on audiobook and it is certainly not the worst audiobooks I have listened to, there are a number that I stopped listening to because they were so bad. This is a case where I think it should have been better, but I am disappointed that it wasn’t better because I think it is crucial that authors read their content as much as possible.
I have read widely on racial issues, both historic and current. Many of the chapters included details I was familiar with, and in a number of cases, I have read multiple books on a subject that was covered here in a chapter. There will always be editorial choices about what to include or not include and how much data to present versus how much story to tell. Brown Faces, White Spaces framed these discussions with nuance and skill, including a significant level of detail, while not getting bogged down for readers with less background. There are questions at the end of each chapter, as well as footnotes and suggested readings for those who do want more details.
This was originally posted on my blog at https://bookwi.se/brown-faces-white-s...
One of the aspects that is most frustrating to me within the church is the controversy that is liberation. Some people and parts of the church do not believe that liberation is a significant theme of what the church should be doing. There are various reasons for that. Some believe that liberation will only occur at the second coming of Christ, and some of those believe that working toward liberation will actually prolong Christ's return. Some do not believe that the church's work should involve physical realities and that the only liberation that should occur is spiritual liberation. So, it is not surprising that Latasha Morrison opens with a chapter on liberation, grounding the book in her survey of the themes of liberation found throughout the Bible. But honestly, the chapter just made me mad. I was angry not at what she said, but that she has to actually argue that liberation is something that the church should be involved in. This is such a central theme to both scripture and historic Christian theology that no book should need to make the case that liberation is something that we need to do.
The rest of the book is framed around nine areas of society where liberation needs to occur. She sets up a simple framework of Preparation, Dedication, and Liberation. Preparation is learning about and understanding society's problems so we can correctly address them. Dedication is the steps that we take to address those issues while girding ourselves for long-term efforts. And that is done with the goal of liberation for all people. Morrison is addressing these areas because they are areas that have been traditionally seen as "White Spaces" and they have a legacy of systemic inequality or discrimination.
This framing reminds me of Kevin Kruse's book White Flight, which is about the history of White Flight in Atlanta. One of the main points that Kruse makes in the book is that White people saw segregated spaces (parks, schools, transportation, etc.) as white spaces before desegregation. However, after integration, due to their cultural belief in white racial hierarchy, the spaces did not become shared spaces where all people had equal access, but as Black spaces where White people were no longer given priority. Kruse's thesis is that this view of public space is a significant impetus for the rise of political libertarianism and decreased investment in public goods. If public spaces no longer privileged White use, and White people did not "feel comfortable" in shared spaces, and White people began to use private spaces that were economically or geographically segregated as a proxy for racial segregation, then White people would stop supporting the use of tax funds on shared public goods that they had previously supported. Michelle McGhee has a similar approach in her book Sum of Us, where she tries to get White people to see that racial equity is not a zero-sum game.
The book opens with a history of educational segregation and the long-term impacts of that segregation, as well as the ways that disparity continues to exist within education. This is an area where I have both professional backgrounds (I am a program evaluator for an after-school program primarily working with minority students), and I have a personal connection to education with my wife as a teacher, and my mother-in-law was a principal in the district where my children attend elementary school. My wife and I intentionally enrolled our children in the school where she works because it is a school with a high minority population. The school is 90% racial minorities (mostly Black or Hispanic) and 70% low-income. A half mile from the school is another elementary school in the same district, which is 11% Black or Hispanic and 7% low-income. There are many historical and zoning reasons for the disparity. Still, it would be entirely possible to redesign the school boundaries so that both schools were equitable in income and racial diversity. But the divide remains. The school board itself is split between four White board members and three Black board members, although the student population has been predominately minority for over a decade. The racial acrimony on the board (race is a proxy for a political party) triggered an accreditation review with recommendations to be performed. Late last year, a judge threw out the district map for board members as an illegal gerrymander designed to maintain a White majority on the board.
The school my kids will attend for high school if they continue progressing with the students in their current school was opened in 1965, the year the district integrated. It was named for a Confederate general. In 2020, right before the election, the school board agreed to form a commission to review the naming of that high school and other schools in the district. After the election (where a predominately White and GOP board member was maintained), the school board dissolved the commission before its first meeting. When my wife and I were looking for a house, we looked at an open house where the seller's realtor toured us around the home. But he suggested that he take us to other homes in the area because the elementary school where that home was zone had a high rate of minority and immigrant children, and he didn't think that the school was very good. (My mother-in-law was the principal of that elementary school at the time, and it was one of the best in the district.) Most of the issues discussed in the chapter on education in Brown Faces White Spaces have local examples within my school district.
Other issues that are addressed are medical inequity, the criminal justice system and policing, minority double consciousness as a result of workplace discrimination and business practices, the military as an integrated and segregated space, land ownership, Black appropriation within entertainment and the interaction of sports and protest. All of these are handled well, focusing on revealing racial disparity and asking the reader to reflect on how the status quo systems maintain inequity even if it is not always a desired outcome.
One of the editorial decisions that some will disagree with is the widespread use of both Brown and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color) to mean all racial minorities in the US. There are a number of Black people in the US that have spoken out again BIPOC as a blanket term for all racial minorities when what is meant is Black. The lack of specificity is what is usually objected to, but in this case, she is using BIPOC inclusively, not as a way not to say Black. Similarly, there is a history of using the term Brown to be inclusive, but there is some objection to the term. Morrison is being inclusive in using Brown and BIPOC, but there will be some complaints about that choice.
Conservatives who object to discussing racial issues will still object to any discussion of the systemic nature of racism, even as she gives many examples of their systemic nature. Georgia and a few other states have passed laws banning the teaching of about systemic racism in public schools. The objection is that all discussion of systemic racism is rooted in Marxism and critical theory. Any who say that are ignoring the long history of objections to racial categories and hierarchy from the Black and Indigenous Christian communities that predated Marx. However, those objections will continue because they are not rooted in getting to the truth but were a means of dismissing racial concerns.
I think this survey is an excellent next book for Morrison because her focus is education, and one of the weaknesses of the Be The Bridge model is that it can be reduced to White consumption for pain for the purpose of White education. I don’t think that is the intent, but White ignorance of racial issues and resistance to the idea that White people can be ignorant of racial issues often means that White skepticism asks for more and more trauma to be revealed as proof of the problem. This is what Esau McCaulley is addressing in his How Far to the Promised Land when he shares the story about being asked, “What is the most racist thing you have ever experienced?” at a panel discussion.
A survey book like this, which is filled with a balance of stories and facts, will give a jumping off point for groups to have a discussion, and relate personal experiences, while not requiring members of the group to reveal their own pain and trauma, which they may not be ready to reveal to a group that has not yet proven itself safe.
I mostly listened to this as an audiobook. I am familiar with Latasha Morrison’s voice from her podcast and hearing her in-person at events where she spoke. I know her voice and her capabilities as a speaker. The editing and engineering of the audiobook were not up to the quality that I would generally expect. The audiobook is not so bad that I would not recommend it. But it is choppy, and the editing is not great. Some portions should be re-recorded and re-edited, and I guess the deadlines did not allow enough time for this to happen. I know Morrison is a good speaker, and I even went to a book launch where she read a portion of the book, which was clear and well-narrated. But the editing was mediocre. Again, I don’t think this is a matter of her skill; it is a matter of editing or a compressed schedule. I hope that the audiobook is re-edited to make it better. That being said, I did listen to almost all of the book on audiobook and it is certainly not the worst audiobooks I have listened to, there are a number that I stopped listening to because they were so bad. This is a case where I think it should have been better, but I am disappointed that it wasn’t better because I think it is crucial that authors read their content as much as possible.
I have read widely on racial issues, both historic and current. Many of the chapters included details I was familiar with, and in a number of cases, I have read multiple books on a subject that was covered here in a chapter. There will always be editorial choices about what to include or not include and how much data to present versus how much story to tell. Brown Faces, White Spaces framed these discussions with nuance and skill, including a significant level of detail, while not getting bogged down for readers with less background. There are questions at the end of each chapter, as well as footnotes and suggested readings for those who do want more details.
This was originally posted on my blog at https://bookwi.se/brown-faces-white-s...
June 2, 2025
One chapter featured a section titled “Created Equally, Treated Differently,” which deeply resonated with me. It’s difficult to reconcile the promise of equality under the U.S. Constitution with the ongoing disparities that continue to marginalize people of color. Despite legal progress, systemic issues persist, and the reality is that many communities are still treated differently.
The author writes, “At some point, each of us has felt like an outsider in our own country. This is precisely why I wrote this book.” I truly appreciate her commitment to shedding light on the intersectionality of racial inequity, systemic racism, and the structures—often white-dominated—that have historically excluded not just brown faces, but brown voices, perspectives, allyship, and leadership.
I was especially drawn to the structure of the book, with each chapter focusing on a different institution—healthcare, education, entertainment, sports, and even the church. The author thoughtfully traces the historical treatment of non-white people within these spaces, the progress made, and the significant work that remains.
Her integration of Christian values and scripture provided a meaningful lens through which to reflect on these societal issues. I found her insights both convicting and encouraging, particularly as someone who is seeking ways to effect change in the predominantly white spaces I navigate daily. While the task feels daunting at times, the reflective questions at the end of each chapter offered practical and powerful prompts for self-examination and action.
As an academic, I also appreciated the rich array of references—ranging from peer-reviewed articles to interviews and commentary—which added depth and credibility to her work.
This is a book that absolutely belongs in your library. Even in 2025, we are still doing the necessary work to move toward a society rooted in empathy, understanding, and true acceptance.
The author writes, “At some point, each of us has felt like an outsider in our own country. This is precisely why I wrote this book.” I truly appreciate her commitment to shedding light on the intersectionality of racial inequity, systemic racism, and the structures—often white-dominated—that have historically excluded not just brown faces, but brown voices, perspectives, allyship, and leadership.
I was especially drawn to the structure of the book, with each chapter focusing on a different institution—healthcare, education, entertainment, sports, and even the church. The author thoughtfully traces the historical treatment of non-white people within these spaces, the progress made, and the significant work that remains.
Her integration of Christian values and scripture provided a meaningful lens through which to reflect on these societal issues. I found her insights both convicting and encouraging, particularly as someone who is seeking ways to effect change in the predominantly white spaces I navigate daily. While the task feels daunting at times, the reflective questions at the end of each chapter offered practical and powerful prompts for self-examination and action.
As an academic, I also appreciated the rich array of references—ranging from peer-reviewed articles to interviews and commentary—which added depth and credibility to her work.
This is a book that absolutely belongs in your library. Even in 2025, we are still doing the necessary work to move toward a society rooted in empathy, understanding, and true acceptance.
July 31, 2024
Latasha Morrison’s Brown Faces, White Spaces is a transformative must-read, particularly for those awakening to the realities of systemic racism. This book is an essential guide for anyone seeking to understand the pervasive impact of white supremacy across various systems in the United States.
Morrison's exploration is both profound and eye-opening. Each chapter delves into a different sector—military, education, healthcare, entertainment—revealing how deeply embedded racism has spoiled and corrupted these institutions. Her analysis is thorough, supported by historical context and personal anecdotes, making the harsh realities of systemic racism both relatable and undeniable.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is Morrison's poignant reflection on her own life. She shares that she is the first in her family to be born with the full rights of citizenship, a stark reminder that history is not as distant as we might think. The fight against racism is far from over.
Morrison’s writing is powerful and compassionate, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths while providing a path forward. Brown Faces, White Spaces is not just a book; it’s a call to action. Morrison encourages us to listen, learn, and leverage our privileges to create a more equitable society.
Whether you are new to racial literacy or a seasoned advocate for social justice, this book offers valuable insights and practical steps for dismantling systemic racism. Brown Faces, White Spaces is a vital addition to the conversation on race in America, and Latasha Morrison's voice is one that everyone needs to hear. Highly recommended!
Morrison's exploration is both profound and eye-opening. Each chapter delves into a different sector—military, education, healthcare, entertainment—revealing how deeply embedded racism has spoiled and corrupted these institutions. Her analysis is thorough, supported by historical context and personal anecdotes, making the harsh realities of systemic racism both relatable and undeniable.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is Morrison's poignant reflection on her own life. She shares that she is the first in her family to be born with the full rights of citizenship, a stark reminder that history is not as distant as we might think. The fight against racism is far from over.
Morrison’s writing is powerful and compassionate, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths while providing a path forward. Brown Faces, White Spaces is not just a book; it’s a call to action. Morrison encourages us to listen, learn, and leverage our privileges to create a more equitable society.
Whether you are new to racial literacy or a seasoned advocate for social justice, this book offers valuable insights and practical steps for dismantling systemic racism. Brown Faces, White Spaces is a vital addition to the conversation on race in America, and Latasha Morrison's voice is one that everyone needs to hear. Highly recommended!
June 18, 2024
This is not an easy read due to it's topic. Despite it's difficult subject manner, it is such important work to read and learn from. Morrison takes the areas of society that we frequent on a daily basis (education, entertainment, church, military, healthcare, and more), and provides historical context for how everyday practices are impacted by racism in the not so distant past. Looking at how facets of life have been shaped by an unequal distribution of power and money over time is not just heart breaking, but eye opening in the way that today's negative realities with regards to race are often directly connected to practices that were normal just a generation or two ago. This book felt quite different from Morrison's first book, Be the Bridge. The world is different since 2019 when that book was published. This book is direct with its points, but follows up each chapter's themed discussion with tangible steps for how anyone could support and take one or more small steps forward to create brave spaces while working towards greater equality in this country. What is helpful with this work is the focus on action and moving forward in a positive manner rather than ruminating in any type of guilt or shame cycle. I will continue to support this author and grateful for her giving nature to bring us all closer to being our best selves in the area of racial reconciliation.
August 4, 2024
This book recounts the numerous examples of the overlooked achievements of BIPOC Americans in diverse fields ranging from sports, culture, the military, business, and politics. There are many largely unheard stories in this book like the African American First Rhode Island Regiment during the Revolutionary War, the 1863 Combahee River Raid made possible by Harriet Tubman, and the crucial contribution of Black artists such as Big Mama Thornton and Otis Blackwell to the enormous popularity of white artists such as Elvis Presley, Pat Boone, and Janis Joplin. From Shakespeare to Birth of a Nation to the Hollywood caricatures of Black women as "Sapphire" or "Mammy," to the white savior of Blindside, harmful stereotypes are exposed in popular culture.
The book is equal parts history and an educational platform for change. The writer's strong Christianity is infused in the book, but not in an off-putting way for non-believers like me. Her goals are both laudable and seemingly non-polarizing, but she experiences dispiriting resistance within her own church for advancing a self-evident message of love and racial reconciliation. But, despite numerous setbacks, Latasha Morrison never loses hope and belief in her goal of exposing and rectifying systemic racism. And that is message we can all carry with us.
The book is equal parts history and an educational platform for change. The writer's strong Christianity is infused in the book, but not in an off-putting way for non-believers like me. Her goals are both laudable and seemingly non-polarizing, but she experiences dispiriting resistance within her own church for advancing a self-evident message of love and racial reconciliation. But, despite numerous setbacks, Latasha Morrison never loses hope and belief in her goal of exposing and rectifying systemic racism. And that is message we can all carry with us.
August 1, 2024
In Brown Faces, White Spaces, LaTasha Morrison deftly blends personal anecdotes, historical examples, and empirical data to illustrate systemic racism and inequality in different facets of society (sports, healthcare, and the military, to name a few), both historically and as it persists today. I really like her approach, because it humanizes these issues while using research to show how deep-seated these issues are.
One thing that sticks out to me in Morrison’s work, both after reading this book and her first book, Be the Bridge, is the idea that we can lament things that didn’t happen in our lifetime or didn’t happen to us. As @ohhappydani says, “It shouldn’t have to happen to you for it to matter to you.” Our hearts can, and should, break for racial inequality, and we can all take steps to create a world that values and includes all people regardless of racial or cultural background.
Brown Faces, White Spaces was uncomfortable to read at times, but it was good to sit in discomfort as I work to grow in my understanding of BIPOC experiences that differ greatly from my extremely homogenous white Midwestern upbringing. Morrison is doing valuable and important work in the area of racial reconciliation and I will always enthusiastically read anything she writes.
One thing that sticks out to me in Morrison’s work, both after reading this book and her first book, Be the Bridge, is the idea that we can lament things that didn’t happen in our lifetime or didn’t happen to us. As @ohhappydani says, “It shouldn’t have to happen to you for it to matter to you.” Our hearts can, and should, break for racial inequality, and we can all take steps to create a world that values and includes all people regardless of racial or cultural background.
Brown Faces, White Spaces was uncomfortable to read at times, but it was good to sit in discomfort as I work to grow in my understanding of BIPOC experiences that differ greatly from my extremely homogenous white Midwestern upbringing. Morrison is doing valuable and important work in the area of racial reconciliation and I will always enthusiastically read anything she writes.
November 10, 2024
Great book that has taken me some time to digest, and certainly will inspire further thinking for weeks and months to come. I am a bit conflicted about how to rate this book -- I really enjoyed the content, the way that it was written (so accessible! so easy to understand!), and especially the questions for reflection and actionable steps posed at the end of each chapter. Reading this book actually inspired me to begin volunteering at a new organization, which is what I imagine the author intended to do. That being said, there is a very heavy Christian influence that makes me hesitant to recommend this book to non-Christians, and while I ultimately believe in the messaging, I think that some of it could be remove to make this a more effective read to a broader audience.
Is that important, though? Don't we also deserve books that are just for us, isolated to our own community? Much to think about, happy overall about the way that this book is asking me to think.
Is that important, though? Don't we also deserve books that are just for us, isolated to our own community? Much to think about, happy overall about the way that this book is asking me to think.
June 11, 2024
Wow. I loved Be the Bridge and was beyond excited for this new release! Morrison goes through different sections of human experience or White Spaces where white people are predominantly in power and where systems of racism are in play. She brings to the table the names of those killed by the system and the importance of equity and inclusion in each space. Morrison also discusses such equity and inclusion and the importance of such from a biblical perspective, giving Christians a means of response to racism. I so love her as an author because she never fails to be direct, loving, and eager for justice. For me, training to be a pastor, the concepts were so necessary in learning how to love my Brown brothers and sisters that will walk into the church space. I cannot recommend this enough for anyone wanting to deepen their education on the Brown experience in the predominantly White spaces.
August 8, 2024
I was really disappointed by this one. Not just because of the unexpected scripture mentions (that's on me) but because the book was not radical enough for me.
The author is related to a cop thus advocates for reform rather than police abolition, after mentioning its history and how it's entwined with racism. I was also not a fan of painting the withholding of money from corporations to get them to acknowledge BIPOC as a positive thing. The corporations aren't "committed to liberation" they are committed to money and doing whatever they need to keep their customers. Lastly, I didn't like the repeated negative connotation of "woke", "marxist" and the distancing from liberation as used by leftists
While I already knew about most of the American history shared I thought it was shared in an accessible and helpful way. I also did get one book recommendation out of it, so 2 stars
The author is related to a cop thus advocates for reform rather than police abolition, after mentioning its history and how it's entwined with racism. I was also not a fan of painting the withholding of money from corporations to get them to acknowledge BIPOC as a positive thing. The corporations aren't "committed to liberation" they are committed to money and doing whatever they need to keep their customers. Lastly, I didn't like the repeated negative connotation of "woke", "marxist" and the distancing from liberation as used by leftists
While I already knew about most of the American history shared I thought it was shared in an accessible and helpful way. I also did get one book recommendation out of it, so 2 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2024
There are a large number of people that do not know or understand what systemic racism is or how it has and continues to have such a large impact on large groups in our society. This book does an excellent job of highlighting the major areas of concern that have impacted people of color for many, many years.
Not only does this book explain this but it does an outstanding job of offering suggestions as to what one might do to help fix the wrongs.
It includes the stories of many individuals both famous and not so famous and how systemic racism has impacted their lives.
Please consider reading this book if you do not understand the history, both past and current, of systemic racism. Each of us can make a difference in the world.
If you attend a church I would also suggest that you give a copy to your pastor.
Not only does this book explain this but it does an outstanding job of offering suggestions as to what one might do to help fix the wrongs.
It includes the stories of many individuals both famous and not so famous and how systemic racism has impacted their lives.
Please consider reading this book if you do not understand the history, both past and current, of systemic racism. Each of us can make a difference in the world.
If you attend a church I would also suggest that you give a copy to your pastor.
July 31, 2024
Natasha Morrison looks at ten areas in our culture where racism has systematically perpetuated injustice to people of color in the US. Morrison not only gives a historical and factual snapshot of the problems, she also paints pictures of the way forward - ways that we can rebuild and imagine something new and more just.
As a white father of a Chinese daughter, I have increasingly sought to listen to the BIPOC community so that in understanding their voices and experiences, I can better walk with my daughter through hers. It has been a necessary and sometimes troubling thing, but I think I'm better for it. It's also helped me broaden my sense of the scope of the gospel and deepened my love for Jesus. This book helped continue that journey.
As a white father of a Chinese daughter, I have increasingly sought to listen to the BIPOC community so that in understanding their voices and experiences, I can better walk with my daughter through hers. It has been a necessary and sometimes troubling thing, but I think I'm better for it. It's also helped me broaden my sense of the scope of the gospel and deepened my love for Jesus. This book helped continue that journey.
Read
February 28, 2025It is obvious to me that systemic racism thrives when we are uncaring, apathetic, or indifferent, so please, for the love of God, care! I appreciate so deeply the Christian viewpoint this author brings because you just cannot carry the name of Christ and be unfeeling or uncaring about the systemic racism that tears apart BIPOC individuals, point blank, period.
I’m not here to argue whether or not you have an internalized racial bias or if systemic racism is a thing. You do and it is. What you decide to do with it, that’s on you, big dog. And if you want to claim to be a Christ follower, you cannot follow Christ closely and also not be consciously aware of/fighting against systemic racism on a daily basis.
As a white person, I’ve said more than enough. Read this book.
I’m not here to argue whether or not you have an internalized racial bias or if systemic racism is a thing. You do and it is. What you decide to do with it, that’s on you, big dog. And if you want to claim to be a Christ follower, you cannot follow Christ closely and also not be consciously aware of/fighting against systemic racism on a daily basis.
As a white person, I’ve said more than enough. Read this book.
June 3, 2024
This was an amazingly inspiring relative look at both what has been done with a clear plan for what you can do whether you are one of the brown faces in the white spaces. Or part of the dominant culture that contributes to how those spaces are shaped and formed. You cannot read this book and not be prompted to examine your own role in how you contribute to, benefit from or are impacted by the various systems that impact how people of color navigate the places where they live, work, worship and play. I am looking forward to using the principles in this book to help re-energize how, as a black woman, I navigate the difficult work of racial reconciliation.
July 17, 2024
This is such a helpful, humanizing survey of the impact of racism on different spaces of society (education, healthcare, property ownership, etc). Each chapter tells important historical background to help us understand our current context, and humanizing narratives of how people are still impacted in the here and now. Throughout, Latasha grounds readers in Scripture and the hope and love of God to invite us all to participate in the task of overcoming the disparities still at play in our communities. Whether you have been learning for years or just getting started, this is such a helpful resource!
May 22, 2024
I chose to read this book along with Break The Cycle by Dr. Mariel Buquè because they speak to important identities I have as a Black woman of faith living in America while working and worshipping in PWIs. Brown Faces, White Spaces causes us to reflect on and confront systemic racism that other people put in place centuries ago. Our dysfunction is based on these very systems and our healing and restoration is within reach if we rise to the challenge of deconstructing centuries of oppression. I highly recommend this book!
September 13, 2024
If someone were to ask me to recommend an introduction to the theme of racial reconciliation, this would be the ideal place to start! Latasha Morrison weaves together an excellent blend of a truthful look at the grim reality of systemic racism with a hopeful vision for the future. The stories she shares bring the struggle to life and I hope that her words open the eyes of many readers to the history that led us to this point and to how we can move forward together. I’m so glad to have picked this one up!
January 4, 2025
I loved this book. Latasha Morrison does a great job bringing to light the issues that nonwhite people have struggled with for generations and that white people - including myself - have often been oblivious to or just chosen to ignore. I really appreciated how she went back into history and exposed so much of the whitewashing that’s done when we learn about certain events in school. I also loved how she connected scripture as well. Left me with much to think about including what steps I need to personally take to do my part to add to a world that includes everyone regardless of skin color.
July 20, 2024
Not what I was expecting
The promise of the title "Confronting Systemic Racism..." was not met for me. Perhaps I was looking for a more academic book or less scripture. I didn't feel like I learned anything new. Part of that may be because I am older than the target audience and lived through the 40s and 50s. I also expected more "Confronting" and strategies for rooting out current systemic racism. It wasn't a bad book, but it was mistitled.
The promise of the title "Confronting Systemic Racism..." was not met for me. Perhaps I was looking for a more academic book or less scripture. I didn't feel like I learned anything new. Part of that may be because I am older than the target audience and lived through the 40s and 50s. I also expected more "Confronting" and strategies for rooting out current systemic racism. It wasn't a bad book, but it was mistitled.
November 24, 2024
I read this book for adult Sunday school. The author devotes a chapter for different institutions or systems (healthcare, education , military, etc) and how embedded racism affects POC how racism has their interactions and relationships in these systems. It then provides specific guidance and steps on how to further educate yourself and enact change within your span of control. The author provides supporting biblical principles throughout the text.
April 17, 2025
I really appreciated how the topics were laid out and built on each other, and the author has done a ton of research to provide informative and moving history. The educational structure of the book is helpful and she provides great suggestions and response questions.
Also I enjoyed the bonus of the personal stories she offered--she certainly didn't have to offer up her own life for a book but because she did I was able to learn a lot from her personal experiences and family stories
Also I enjoyed the bonus of the personal stories she offered--she certainly didn't have to offer up her own life for a book but because she did I was able to learn a lot from her personal experiences and family stories
May 24, 2024
After following Latasha Morrison for many years, I was excited to read her newest book. She shares her experience and provides action steps for the tough work of racial reconciliation. She speaks with authority but also compassion. She understands that this work is critical for our world to flourish. We can learn so much from her!
June 4, 2024
This long awaited book did not disappoint! Morrison has done her homework and presents a clear path for how the past informed the present, vulnerable true stories, and practical steps to make change in the future. This is a must read for anyone who wants to be the change they want to see in the world.
November 19, 2024
I lament- my heart is heavy. To learn, however, we must confront. Confront history of systematic racism that still exists in institutions today. This excellent book teaches us our collective history of racism and its ongoing impact so that we can be called to action and create a more just and equitable world. As an unknown author said- “It may not be my fault, but is is my responsibility.”
January 13, 2025
Morrison has written another clear, compelling, and convicting book. I so appreciate her passion for helping our country move toward being a place that honors and respects People of Color and eliminates the many barriers and inequalities that still exist. Lots of relevant research and powerful stories.
March 9, 2025
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I read Be the Bridge when it first came out and simultaneously loved it and was challenged by it. The same can be said for Brown Faces, White Spaces. This is an important book for everyone and great information to have as people lean in toward racial reconciliation.
I read Be the Bridge when it first came out and simultaneously loved it and was challenged by it. The same can be said for Brown Faces, White Spaces. This is an important book for everyone and great information to have as people lean in toward racial reconciliation.
March 24, 2025
As always Latosha is gracious and bold. This book gives gentle yet pointed reminders for the people of God and our call to weep, rejoice, act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly. She gives practical steps for white congregants to do the work for the glory of Christ and the good of our BIPOC brothers and sisters.
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