I AM THAT ONE BLACK FRIEND: Lessons From A Magical Unicorn

by Cassandra Porter

2021 Maincrest Media Award 2021 Book Excellence Award 2021 Best Book Awards American BookFestIn June 2020, when the world saw the unrest in America because of centuries of systemic racism, my phone/inbox/email account started to blow up. I began to evaluate why I was the object of these requests. I realized that I am the “magical unicorn”. I am that one black friend they feel comfortable asking these things. I even began to wonder whether those asking me these questions, knew the experiences that caused me to be able to respond without offending, with compassion, and with specific examples. My ability to respond to questions that just happened to occur to you, is a result of my lived experiences over the past 46 years. My ability to smile as you comment with surprise about my responses, “Oh wow, you answered that so well,” or “You were so kind in your response,” is a fine-tuned skill – that of a magical unicorn. It takes skill to explain oppression, that was in fact perpetrated by you (as in a collective “you”) without causing you (as an individual) to feel bad about said oppression. I hope the lessons I share will help move the racial equity conversation in a positive direction, because, I am that one black friend, sharing lessons from a magical unicorn.

116 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2020

Reviews

[Janetta Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassandra did an awesome job explaining her journey and turning it into lessons. She made it plan and easy to read. It reaffirmed the reasons why I advocate for my daughter everyday.

This is a book for those looking for the answer of why. Why are black people upset today even thought slavery is over? Why is it our (white America) problem? Why are black people always talking about black related issues? Well the answer is in this book. The current generation may not have created the issues but they still benefit from the structural framework created by their ancestors and that framework is still oppressive.

We need our white allies. It can't change without our white allies. This is a must read and a page turner!!!

[B Townsend]

So, as I try to put into words WHY you should purchase and READ this book…I realize I have no WORDS, but I have legitimate FEELINGS about HOW this book made me feel. This book will touch areas you possibly hid because you have to walk, move and exist everyday – i.e. go to church, school, work, grocery store, spa, concerts, license branch, heck go vote and APPEAR normal while being ‘in touch’ with what you feel and see EVERYDAY. What it feels like to be Black in America…I too am that ‘other’ black friend.
Are you ready to walk through my friend's story and learn the Lessons from a Magical Unicorn?

[Sean McGill · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I Am That One Black Friend" is a collection of the author's life stories that connect to the larger national conversation around race in our country - filled with lessons on invisibility, the power of representation, as well as disparities in health care, education, and employment, and many more.

As a gay man, I can relate when she talks about code-switching, because that's something I have had to do for years myself. As a white man, it made me reflect on my own contributions (or lack thereof) to personal and professional relationships with Black people and other People of Color.

I've had the pleasure of co-facilitating with Cassandra, and reading her book was just like listening to her share her stories during a bias training - personal, raw and honest, with a dash of humor. It's a great read for anyone interested in learning about the lived experiences of a Black woman, a Magical Unicorn.

[Denola Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye-Opening!

I was able to identify with so many of Author, Cassandra A Porter’s stories but could never have verbalized them in the way she has. Her style of “storytelling” keeps the reader engaged and I found myself becoming a part of her experiences. I also identified with the “Lessons” and even thought of a few of my own. Great stories, great lessons. A must read for anyone who has experienced racial tensions, regardless of your race.

[Marta Fetterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful stories that will resonate with, challenge and encourage dialogue for all readers. “I Am That One Black Friend” provides great insight into what it is to be a black woman in 2020.

[Jewell Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is immediately resonating with my lived experience. A revelant piece for these times in America.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I AM THAT ONE BLACK FRIEND: Lessons from a Magical Unicorn is by Cassandra A. Porter. This book is one we all need to red or something like it, before things get much worse in our lives. This book deals with racism. The author has a different view of what we perceive racism to be. Most Whites do not understand that racism is all over and that it has taken an uphill battle just to get it viewed. It covers Cassie’s life in ways that we, as white people, had not seen and would not see.
The book makes you think and opens the way for discussions of a perso’s role in the community and how others can help.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to say I love this book. I love that Cassandra Porter opened up her life to readers to share how systemic racism has impacted every corner of her life and her family's life. I love her determination in fighting over and over again through unfair treatment to have her voice heard, to advocate for her children and those she loves.

But, at the same time, I hate this book. I hate the situations I recognize from the other side---things I didn't understand, things I learned and refused to believe, things I explained away because, surely, people can't be that cruel. Seeing myself in the pages of her book is painful, but the kind of pain that's necessary for growth.

I'm grateful Cassandra shared her stories, her insights, her life. I'm sad it took this long for me to listen. She inspires me to keep my eyes open, to advocate for others, and to listen AND act.

[Cassandra Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was compelled to write my story, which is an affirmation to some and an education to others. This account of lifelong learning produces lessons that are chronicled as you walk through my story. My ability to respond to questions that just happened to occur to you at your current age, is a result of my lived experiences over the past 46 years. My ability to smile graciously as you comment with surprise about my responses, “Oh wow, you answered that so well,” or “You were so kind in your response,” is a fine-tuned skill – that of a magical unicorn. It takes skill to explain oppression, that was in fact perpetrated by you (as in a collective “you”) without causing you (as an individual) to feel bad about said oppression. I hope the lessons I share will help move the racial equity conversation in a positive direction, because, I am that one black friend, sharing lessons from a magical unicorn.

[Shirley A. Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

No longer invisible!

I love this book! The simplicity of presenting racial bias in terms that we who are targets don't readily recognize was awesome. It made me look back to on my own encounters along with my daughters. It definitely pointed out to me how to be careful to not be taken for granted in a world that claims not to see race.

[Madeline Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative.