Recollections About Race: Getting to the Roots and Healing

by Janis Evans

Recollections About Race invites the reader to tell their stories to themselves and to others and no longer remain in a state of suffering silence. In a time such as this, as our country is engaging in the reckoning of racial injustices and police brutality, African Americans have evocative stories to tell that are surfacing daily to the American consciousness and need to be heard. The current book world on this subject is full of theory-based, scholarly, well-researched content. For the reader who is embarking on self-discovery and introspection about painful racial experiences triggered by current events, Recollections About Race will provide validation and acknowledgement that their stories matter regardless of how seemingly insignificant.

75 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2021

Reviews

[Prashanth Bhat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a outsider for this issue. But the issue of race from a first person prospective is while reading had a tremendous impact.
I come know about the social injustice and how a experienced person heals from that.

Very good writing.

[Selorm.A · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Recollections about Race" by Janis Leslie Evans is a compelling and thought-provoking book that delves into the complex and sensitive topic of race. Evans offers a deeply personal and introspective account of her experiences, creating a tapestry of recollections that invite readers to reflect on their own perceptions and understandings of race in society.

One of the notable strengths of this book is Evans' ability to articulate her thoughts and emotions with great clarity and sincerity. She skillfully narrates her encounters and observations, providing vivid descriptions that transport readers into the moments she recounts. Her prose is eloquent yet accessible, making the book engaging for readers of diverse backgrounds.

Through a series of recollections spanning her life, Evans provides a multifaceted exploration of race from different angles. She reflects on her upbringing, family dynamics, education, and encounters with racism, offering a nuanced perspective that highlights the interconnectedness of personal experiences and broader social issues. The book's structure allows for a comprehensive understanding of the author's journey, building a narrative that is both compelling and educational.

What I liked about it is its commitment to honesty and self-reflection. She confronts her own biases and acknowledges the complexities and challenges surrounding race discussions. Her willingness to share vulnerable moments and examine her own complicity in perpetuating racial stereotypes sets an example for readers, encouraging them to critically examine their own beliefs and actions.

This a profound and enlightening exploration of the author's personal journey through the lens of race. She invites readers on a captivating and introspective ride, encouraging self-reflection and critical examination of one's beliefs and actions. With its blend of personal anecdotes, historical context, and sociopolitical analysis, this book serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of race and its impact on individuals and society.

[Millicent Allenby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janis Evans has written a small gem of a book that offers insight into her experiences as a Black woman in the United States. Structured as a series of recollections, the chapters show how her life is impacted by racism, one large or small incident at a time. Although the topic is weighty, Evans’ writing is personal, straightforward, and even humorous at times. She shares a variety of stories - those that range from encounters with deliberate, white malevolence to incidents that, while less deliberate in intent, nonetheless cause deep harm. Evans categorizes each recollection as macro-aggression, micro-aggression, racial profiling, etc. This seemingly-simple rhetorical strategy has a profound effect – labeling these accumulated memories makes them accessible to the reader both as individual stories and as part of larger patterns. Evans writes also of her gradual journey to hope, and details her vision of healing for herself, her community, and beyond. Written with courage, clarity, and openness, Recollections About Race contributes directly to the racial healing so needed in this time and place.

[Patrice Rohde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do not let its diminutive size fool you. This is a powerful read! The first part presents deeply personal first-person testimonials that serve as solid references for definitions of racial bias and injustice. From there, the highly accredited author goes on to provide useful frameworks and prompts to move us forward towards healing and wholeness. Strongly recommended for book clubs; there's so much to discuss!

[Karthika Iyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Recollections About Race: Getting to the Roots and Healing" by Janis Evans is a compelling and deeply moving exploration of the multifaceted landscape of race, its historical underpinnings, and the potential for healing and unity. Through a personal lens, Evans takes readers on an introspective journey that challenges preconceptions, sparks reflection, and offers a path forward towards a more inclusive society.

From the outset, it's clear that Janis Evans writes from a place of authenticity and lived experience. Her prose is heartfelt, sincere, and rich with personal anecdotes that breathe life into the subject matter. This personal touch not only makes the content relatable but also fosters a sense of connection between the author and the reader, creating an intimate atmosphere conducive to open-minded exploration.

Evans deftly balances the historical context of race with its contemporary implications. She delves into the origins of racial divisions, offering insightful discussions on the historical events and societal structures that have perpetuated them. This historical foundation provides a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding race while also illuminating the urgent need for healing and reconciliation.

One of the most commendable aspects of the book is Evans' dedication to fostering healing and unity. While addressing the painful realities of racial disparities and injustices, she consistently emphasizes the potential for growth and understanding. Evans encourages readers to examine their own biases and confront uncomfortable truths, creating a safe space for self-reflection and personal growth.

The structure of the book is well-paced and thoughtfully organized. Each chapter flows seamlessly into the next, building upon the previous discussions in a logical manner. Evans skillfully weaves together personal anecdotes, historical analysis, and thought-provoking insights, ensuring that the reader remains engaged and invested from start to finish.

"Recollections About Race" also excels in its practical approach. Evans doesn't merely analyze the issues at hand; she provides actionable steps for individuals and communities to actively participate in the process of healing and change. Her emphasis on open dialogue, empathy, and education serves as a roadmap for those who want to play a role in dismantling systemic racism and promoting a more equitable future.

In a literary landscape often filled with polarizing rhetoric, "Recollections About Race" stands out as a beacon of hope and reason. Janis Evans' empathetic and inclusive tone creates a safe space for readers of all backgrounds to engage with the material. This book has the potential to facilitate transformative conversations and foster a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics of race.

In conclusion, "Recollections About Race: Getting to the Roots and Healing" by Janis Evans is a must-read for anyone committed to personal growth, social justice, and a more inclusive society. Through her honest storytelling and thought-provoking insights, Evans invites readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery, empathy, and healing. This book has the power to leave a lasting impact on its readers and contribute to the ongoing conversation about race and its intersections with our lives.

[Faith Faithy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Racism has been with us from time immemorial and, sadly, even in 2022. The display of racism is all around us. People argue it is now reduced when compared to past times. However, it is still out here like a sore thumb. The only difference is that it has now taken subtle and other obvious forms. Fortunately, it is now being televised for the entire world to see, so there is no denial. It is so bad that no matter your position in life as a black person, racism, regardless of its form, still catches up with you.

The book opens with the narration of the senseless, heart-wrenching, and dehumanizing killing of George Floyd, a black man, by a police officer. According to the author, Janis Leslie Evans, it made her remember her own experiences of racial discrimination. Hence, the title of the book is Recollections About Race.

Divided into 5 parts and 12 recollections, the author narrated her experiences with various forms of racism that spanned from her childhood to her adulthood. As she wrote, they range from macro aggression, microaggression, and stereotyping, just to mention a few. These experiences affected her in different ways. Her confidence and self-esteem were bruised. Many times, she felt sad and insulted. Furthermore, she believes black people should acknowledge their experiences so that they can heal from their scars while highlighting the methods to achieve this. She then listed some actions they could take to add to their quota to change how blacks are being treated.

First, I will not fail to commend the impeccable, soothing writing skills of the author. I don’t mean to sound cliche, but the flow of words was superb. I was so hooked that I almost finished the book in one sitting. Despite the sad emotions this book may evoke in you, you will not feel burdened or the urge to rush through the book.

The author wrote a poem about one of her experiences with a white woman who often came to make purchases at the place she worked. She incorporated the poem into the book, and I loved it so much that I had to read it again.

How the author outlined and narrated her experiences also appealed to me. A book like this will never be outdated, at least not until racism is eliminated from the face of the earth. Her stories will give black readers a sense of community and the knowledge that they are in this together. I also loved that she did not just narrate her experiences. She went further to explain how blacks can eliminate the negative impact their own experiences might have on them.

The way the PDF file was formatted bothered me slightly, but this has little to do with the content of the book. So, I would write that there are no negative comments about this book. Furthermore, it had my complete attention and the author successfully passed her message along. The book was exceptionally edited. As a result, it is qualified to get a rating of five out of five stars from me.

This book is especially suitable for black people and anyone interested in reading about the experiences of a black woman. Therefore, I recommend it to them.

[Resolute Scribbles by Khanani · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘It’s a peculiar sensation, this double consciousness, this sense of always looking at oneself through the eyes of others, of measuring one’s soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity. One ever feels his two-ness – an American, a Negro; two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings; two warring ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder.’

– W.E.B Dubois, The Souls of Black Folk.

***

Janis starts every recollection of her book with a quote from a renown revolutionary and I loved it! Triggered by the untimely and brutal death of George Floyd, Janis explores experiences from remembrances of growing up with brown skin in America. Born to Jamaican parents who immigrated from the Caribbean and Canada before she was born, Janis recounts various encounters that formed part and parcel of who she is as she probes into exploring how to heal despite the trauma.

The recollections are broken down into five parts. Part I explores Early identity formation based off experiences she had as a child; Part II explores Waking up to a Black identity based off how she was treated at school and in the workspace. Part III explores Experiences as seen through the lens of others where she recounts experiences of being profiled because of her colour. Part IV, Janis emphasises that experiences have an identity that must be acknowledged in order to move past them and in the last part, Janis explores the Healing journey and the re-writing of the narratives surrounding healing.

Reading her recollections definitely had me thinking about the colourism and tribalism that we must endure each and everyday in this country and how these might have affected us in one way or the other. Speaking about it definitely helps release the bitterness, and working towards breaking any future biases would be a step in the right direction to protect the next generation.

After we tell our stories, define our injustices, heal from the pain, and re-write our narratives, we will need to outline next steps. What action will we take to change policy, speak truth to power and make lasting changes in our society?

– Janis Leslie Evans, Recollections About Race; Getting to the roots and healing

I loved that Janis fearlessly relays her recollections of being treated as less than because of her brown skin, as she eases into her healing. She emphasises that it is only through acknowledgment of our trauma that we will find the grace to start our healing journey. At the end of her recollections, Janis’ relays for her readers a step-by-step process of creating a path towards your own healing that I’d highly recommend the readers engage in.

I’d recommend this.

Let me know what you though about the book in the comment section.

Cheers.

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Recollections About Race: Getting to the Roots and Healing” by accomplished author and psychology counselor Janis Evans is one of the most important books on race you may ever read. This is because it comes from a place in the heart, and of personal experience. This book opens the door for readers to share their own stories about race, and to come out of the secret shadows of silence. Dialogue and communication are the only ways to do this.

The author encourages everyone to keep telling their stories to those who are listening. If you are heartsick and angry over news reports of police brutality and racial injustice, then this is a book you need to read today, and then pass on to someone else. If you’re a helping professional or are in a leadership position to train and guide, then by all means use this book as a tool. All around the world, including the United States, African Americans are coming forward with their stories to show that racial problems have never gone away and need to be understood and dealt with.

Though there are books on race that are based on theory, it’s important to hear personal stories lived by the average person. This book can help those affected reflect on who they are in the context of gut-wrenching racial events brought on by current events. These stories will be a way to connect and feel that their lived experiences matter.

Evans shines a light on a subject that everyone thinks is dead or should be dead. Unfortunately, racism is still very much alive, as these accounts show. The author shares her own recollections of aggression, both obvious and micro. You will be reminded of your own past encounters and events, from school settings to social gatherings, to things said or done to you during your career. But did you ever stop to think of how this has negatively affected you psychologically?

Janice has a way with words that can help lead you through the wilderness of pain, and toward a place of light and healing. She successfully shows that people don’t have to stay in a state of damage. But more than that, she gives you the knowledge and tools to begin your journey back to your better self. Regardless of your station in life, you need to read this book, for its honest, amazing insight and healing aspect.

As a former social worker, I can’t recommend this book enough. Parts of this book are very hard to read, but that’s the idea. We’ve been looking through rose-colored glasses for too long. Racial injustice and police brutality didn’t begin or end with George Floyd. For a powerful, emotional read on how to heal from racial trauma, “Recollections About Race: Getting to the Roots and Healing” by Janis Evans should be at the top of your reading list.

[Nerea Omulimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never knew the depth of heartache our dear African American brothers and sisters experience until I read this book. The book highlights the collection of mistreatment and racial biases the author had to cope with from childhood to adulthood.

Moreover, she didn’t only focus on her side of the story but also narrated how other African American individuals are mal-treated by their opponents, the whites.

Reading the book stirs a mixture of emotional feelings, especially when one gets a deeper understanding of the degree of injustices our dear brothers are being subjected to due to their different color appearance.

When you consider what happened to George Floyd and other African Americans who died brutally at the hands of police, you'll see that, in my opinion, the society in which people of color live is designed to protect white people and ignore the other race.

What I liked about the author is that despite all the mental and emotional hardship she’s been subjected to because of being differently colored, she did not give up in life. Rather, she endured it all, even better, and shared her story with the readers. This is one way of healing and helping others who are going through the same experience as she did feel that they are not alone. The way she dealt with the different situations can help someone in need of a way to endure racial prejudice.

I loved the poems she incorporated in the recollections, which I find to be one way of letting out the pain and, in turn, healing in the process. The process of coming to terms with what has been happening in one's surroundings begins when one shares what is in their heart. It is also another way of seeking a solution to all the drama that has been involuntarily happening.

In conclusion, the book portrays the poignant, raw, and yet educational experiences of the author. Based on what I have read about her in the book, she seems to be a strong person who is never ready to give up on anything. She’s also creative and wise. You can imagine being profiled by police (whites) because you are black. It takes a lot of strength to live with that.

[lea ❦ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I know that I’ve kept a lot of feelings inside, except for the wordless expressions that run down my face in the form of tears. This is America. But it doesn’t have to remain this way. My hope is that the rapid shifts we are witnessing around us through protests and policy changes will make an enduring difference, now and in the future.”

i adored this book. it was very instructive, a truly important read filled with personal experiences, resources and informations. it is something i have personally never experienced, and i believe it is detrimental to read about these experiences that are often diminished and pushed back. Janis Evans is a wonderful writer, her patience and intelligence shine through every page. the experiences she recalls are extremely unfair and violent and yet, she paints them with such care, such emotional intelligence. i recommend this book to anyone with similar experiences and anyone, who like me, never experienced racism and needs to learn more about it. we all have a role in this, whether we accept it or not. each one of us has a voice, this book encourages you to reclaim it. all in all, an essential, valuable read that i would recommend to anyone.

below, i will share quotes that i think everyone should read:

“Time and time again, we are receiving confirmation that we, as Black Americans, are seen as less than human in value and intellect, propagated through a society driven by systemic racism and white supremacy, often manifested in instances of police brutality.”

“It harkens to a time in history when Black people smiled to get along, grinned, laughed, danced and performed in order to maintain and survive, succumbing to the oppression of the day.”

“I was reminded of my blackness, which apparently overshadowed the shades of red, purple, blue and pink.”

[Beau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to both Janis Evans and Booktasters for providing with a copy of "Recollections About Race" in exchange for a review.

Several years ago I came across a conversation online where Black users of whichever site I was on at the time were talking about how it made them feel when their white customers would place their money on the counter rather than handing it to them. Many of these individuals were attempting to avoid contact with a Black person, and the Black person on the other side of the counter well knew that. I realized that I occassionally did this, not in order to avoid touching a Black person, but often to count the money. However, I realized that intent =/= impact. Since then I have made it a point to put money directly into the hand of my cashier. It's not a big thing, but it made me realize how important it is as a white person to listen to Black people and adjust my behavior to make the world a tiny bit friendlier.

"Recollections About Race: Getting to the Roots and Healing" is a candid look at the authors experience with racism as a Black woman in America and how many of those experiences became internalized. About how the way you're treated can warp and shape the way you see yourself and your place in the world. "Recollections" also details Evan's journey of healing. Sharing the details of both one's abuses at the hands of racists and the journey to overcome viewing yourself through their eyes had to feel very vulnerable, and I deeply appreciate Evan's allowing us that insight.

"This is America. But it doesn’t have to remain this way" Powerful words, and a reminder that we don't have to accept the status quo and for me personally, a reminder that it isn't just up to Black Americans, or American's of color collectively to fix this. Our white ancestors created this mess, and I think we need to accept the responsibility of fixing it.

[Precious Adedokun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picture this. You pick up a book, interested in its size and title only find out that it’s way more stimulating than you could have imagined.

Right from the preface, Janis Evans does an impeccable work at taking me right back to where I was when I watched the George Floyd video.
This did not only appeal to my sensibilities but also reminded me of the fact that despite the undoubted presence of the feeling of sonder, humans have certain shared experiences which go on to vastly shape their point of view about their realities from that moment on.
The themes in the book range from racism to migration, self identity and death, amongst others. Confusion in one’s identity as a theme in the book, relates to the experiences of Africans migrating to the USA as well as new generations of their offsprings birthed in the country and the awareness it brings of their “otherness” by their skin and roots due to societal constructs. This mirrors what subsists in the world today. It is no doubt that readers, African American or not will find this very intelligible.

I consider this book a solid thought-provoking exploration of recollections not limited to race as it examines stereotypes and conversations about hair rooted in early indoctrinations about assimilation, appearance, and what’s acceptable. Dare I say that as an African, a Nigerian, that this phenomenon surely crossed international borders.
Janis Evans carries the readers through her healing journey and emphasizes the importance of seeing people who look like us succeed- it instills and reinforces that it’s all possible and certainly not unattainable. This is whole and spiritual in itself.
In its entirety, this eye-opening read indeed leaves one with questions as steps to creating a path to one’s individual healing journey, with afterwords and prompts to transform new narratives into action.

[Ayezu Tamarapreye Okoko · Rating 3 out of 5]

BOOK:-RECOLLECTIONS ABOUT RACE-GETTING TO THE ROOTS AND HEALING BY JANIS LESLIE EVANS

BOOK REVIEWER:-OKOKO AYEZU TAMARAPREYE

SYNOPSIS:

A book on the writers recollections on racial discrimination from her personal experience ; her environment and social media reports including micro aggression. The writers recollections touches on sports;black bullying;oppression of blacks in photography and editing;discrimination by presumption of their being academically deficient;discrimination in commodity purchase and price hike;Academic grading and use of grammar.The writer encourages readers to write their own journals to rewrite the negative narratives about blacks.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE BOOK READ:-
💓Lesson on identifying biases as when an incidence occurs over and over.

💓There is a call on those in authority that this oppression is not exxagerated.

APPLICATION OF LESSONS LEARNT:-

Just as there's the Crown Act prohibiting discrimination and denying of employment and educational opportunities because of hair texture and styles, such discrimination should be curbed by innovative laws.

[Ella C · Rating 2 out of 5]

**I received my copy of the book for free in exchange for an honest review**

I want to preface my review by stating that my rating is not necessarily based on the content itself but the way it is presented. I obviously -as a white woman- know nothing of the experiences discussed in this collection, but that's why I was hoping for a more detailed and precise story. Many of the recollections are 2 or 3 pages long and I personally felt they were all lacking details that could have illuminated the points better. I also would be interested to read the same collection (with more detail) and through the lens of psychology. The author is a counselor with many years of experience, and I think using that experience to guide the readers through the recollections could be an interesting angle that helps the story connect to a wider audience.

Overall 2.5 stars, not bad for a debut, and really interesting personal accounts, but I would have loved to read more in depth and with more direction.

[Londeka Shabangu · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Time and time again, we are receiving confirmation that we, as black Americans are seen as less than human in value and intellect, propagated through a society driven by systematic racism and white supremacy, often manifested in instances of police brutality"

Dear reader, make no mistake in thinking this would be a quick and easy read. A short read, yes, but also a very powerful one. The author does a great job at taking the reader through her experiences. Not only was this somewhat educational, but it was raw and eye-opening.

Recollections About Race by Janis Leslie Evans is thought-provoking through and through diving into a very sensitive topic. Though I may not have gone through anything like this (yet), reading through it felt somewhat personal. The writing is simply amazing, and it's woven not just beautifully but smoothly together.

I'd highly recommend this novel to the next person. Thank you to BookTasters, and many thanks to the author.

[Muneeza · Rating 3 out of 5]

How do I even begin to review someone’s personal experiences and encounters with racism? Janis Evans is a successful psychologist, counselor and published author but because she was born to immigrant parents and racially profiled as African American, she has been othered and been on the receiving end of macro and micro aggressions.

Although these events did not break her spirit they did dwell right beneath her conscious and shaped her identity. As a person of color living in the U.S., I can relate to most of these sentiments and although on the surface they might not be labeled as “racist”, they do affect your mental and emotional wellbeing.

The recollections are followed by some self-reflection exercises which I will be going back to, to reevaluate my experiences, their impact on me, and how I can heal from them.

[Priscilla King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do people need to think about emotional healing from "microaggressions"? Sometimes. Do people need examples of what "microaggressions" are? Sometimes. This book can help. Here are stories of how a minimally damaged survivor of the late stage of America's color war has had a successful life, but still been made to feel distrusted and belittled enough that she identifies with victims of violent hate and abuse. After the stories, Evans briefly summarizes things that helped her and gives readers a worksheet for talking about their memories--of "microaggressions," and of bonding, inspiration, successes and strengths.

If your personality type is solid TJ you just don't understand why some people feel a need for this kind of book. If it's FP, this book is for you.

[Kristina Gallo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book teaches us not only about the bad side of human nature but also gives a powerful message: how to fight against discrimination and racism. Head up and smile while your heart is aching, as the author says.
In this collection of stories, a reader could see many forms of racist behavior: mocking, using violence, and making blurred photos in newspapers to cover the real color of skin.
As shameful as behavior or racists, it is also shameful not to talk about it, so congrats on the author's attitude and spreading the word.

[Het · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first parts of the book gives you an intense account of racism. Some of the incidences might seem familiar given the news and social coverage regarding the same matter but looking at it from the view if someone experiencing it gives it a new perspective.
The 2nd part which mentions the healing journey is enlightening and also has some good suggestion for dealing with identity issues given the amount of negativity around them. I think they can very well be generalized with few tweaks to use for dealing for a person facing racism in anywhere in the world.
Overall an interesting read.