BLACK HISTORY MONTH: UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS WITH A BLACK MAN

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UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS WITH A BLACK MAN, by Emmanuel Acho (Flatiron Books, New York, NY, 2020, 244 pages).

Book Review by Dennis Moore

February 28, 2021 (San Diego) - Emmanuel Acho believes the only way to cure our nation’s oldest disease – racism – starts with a profound, revolutionary idea: actually talking to one another. No, seriously. Until it gets uncomfortable … and then some!

In Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, “An Oprah Book”, Acho connects his own experience with race and racism – including his majority – white prep school education juxtaposed with his time in majority – black NFL locker rooms – with the lessons of history, culture, and the wisdom of other voices. The result is an essential guide to the conversations we should all be having to increase our understanding and join the anti-racist fight.

Nothing is off the table. Want to know exactly why it’s okay for white people to use the N-word? Whether you should teach your kids to “see color”? Whether  “reverse racism” exists? Why white privilege isn’t just for the wealthy? What it really means to be an ally? Acho addresses these and many more questions with the same openness and vulnerability he asks of the reader.

Filled with honest reflections and actionable conclusions, Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand and eradicate racism. As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” It’s time to listen, learn, and speak.

Imagine, if you can, David Duke or some leader of a white supremacist organization sitting across from Emmanuel Acho or Rev. Al Sharpton, and having an uncomfortable conversation on racism and the history of blacks in this country! This, after reading “The 1619 Project!”  See attached here. The author actually has an illuminating YouTube video conversation with noted actor Matthew McConaughey  on the subject of having an uncomfortable subject with a black man!  

In his sit down conversation with Matthew McConaughey on the 2nd episode of the YouTube video of Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, McConaughey asks Acho; “how can I do better as a man, how can I do better as a white man?” Acho says in response to McConaughey: “You have to acknowledge that there is a problem!” Acknowledging that there is a problem can be demonstrated in the attached Democracy Now video; “The Truth in Black and White”: The Kansas City Star apologizes for history of Racist Coverage here.

EMMANUEL ACHO, the son of Nigerian immigrant parents, grew up in Dallas with his three siblings. In 2012 he was drafted into the NFL by the Cleveland Browns, and he later played with the Philadelphia Eagles while earning a master’s degree in sports psychology at the University of Texas in the off-season. In 2016 he left the NFL for ESPN, where he served as the nation’s youngest national football analyst, and he was named to the 2019 Forbes 30 Under 30 list. He is now a Fox Sports analyst and the creator of the ongoing online video series Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man. 

The author has recently expanded his horizons by being selected to host 'The Bachelor' on March 15 in an episode titled "After the Final Rose."

I now find myself watching religiously the daily sports show Speak for Yourself that Acho co-hosts with Marcellus Wiley on FS1, as it gives me insight into this man that goes beyond just talking about sports. He has a keen intellect about the bigger picture, human nature and the frailty of life! An example of Acho's keen intellect is indicated in the banter between he and Wiley on Speak for Yourself  in their podcast here.

Coming at the end of Black History Month, this book by Acho is timely and revealing, a book that I highly recommend.

Dennis Moore has been the Associate Editor for the East County Magazine in San Diego and the book review editor for SDWriteway, an online newsletter for writers in San Diego that has partnered with the East County Magazine. Mr. Moore can be contacted at contractsagency@gmail.com or you can follow him on Twitter at: @DennisMoore8.

 


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Comments

Racism - America's Oldest Disease

Having worked in the federal government for over 30 years, I have witnessed much race discrimination and reprisal. To support those who face such ill-treatment I formed a support network -The Coalition For Change, Inc. (C4C). Like the author, Emmanuel Acho, I submit that racism is one of America’s oldest diseases. We need to continue to talk about it as well as hold those who violate civil rights laws accountable. It is with this understanding the C4C approached the late Rep. Elijah Cummings to address this age-old problem plaguing our federal government. https://communalnews.com/elijah-e-cummings-federal-employee-anti-discrimination-act-of-2020-passes-to-help-curb-federal-workplace-discrimination/ Thank you for sharing Author Acho’s book. Black men also remain a population too often unlawfully treated by our nations’ largest employer –the U.S. Federal Government.

Emmanuel Acho gives Commencement Speech at University of Texas

Emmanuel Acho is on a roll! After winning two EMMYs recently, and publishing his 3rd book, he was invited to be the speaker at the Commencement ceremonies of his alma mata! Still, he finds time to co-host one of my favorite Sport's shows, "Speak for Yourself."

"17 Steps" by Tanya Ward Jordan

Having earlier written a review of the author Tanya Ward Jordan's book; "17 Steps", her posted comments and viewpoint is consistent with her lifetime of fighting racism and discrimination. See book here. 

Racism --Amerinca's Oldest Disease

Having worked in the federal government for over 30 years, I have witnessed much race discrimination and reprisal. To support those who face such ill-treatment I formed a support network -The Coalition For Change, Inc. (C4C). Like the author, Emmanuel Acho, I submit that racism is one of America’s oldest diseases. We need to continue to talk about it as well as hold those who violate civil rights laws accountable. It is with this understanding the C4C approached the late Rep. Elijah Cummings to address this age-old problem plaguing our federal government. https://communalnews.com/elijah-e-cummings-federal-employee-anti-discrimination-act-of-2020-passes-to-help-curb-federal-workplace-discrimination/ Thank you for sharing Author Acho’s book. Black men also remain a population too often unlawfully treated by our nations’ largest employer –the U.S. Federal Government.

Emmanuel Acho wins an Emmy!

Emmanuel Acho won an Emmy as "Outstanding Personality on Air Emerging Talent! recently at the 42nd Annual Sports Emmys Award ceremonies on June 8, 2021. It is much deserved for this Fox FS1 analyst and author of the book "Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man!"

Emmanuel Acho to be new host of "The Bachelor" tonight on ABC

Emmanuel Acho will make his debut as the new host of "The Bachelor" tonight (3/15/2021) on ABC. I will be watching to see if he can take his talents beyond his subject book "Uncomfortable Conversation With A Black Man", which I am comfortable he can. I am currently watching him on the daily sports show with Marcellus Wiley "Speak for Yourself".

Uncomfortable Conversation With a Black Man - Emmanuel Acho

I will read this book to get an insight into some of the conversations/discussions and questions posed and responses made. I think the title could conjure interest as well as disregard simply because few people want to be put into an uncomfortable position especially when it pertains to race. Having said that though, dialogue is necessary for all races to get an understanding of how the other feels; because unless you walk in another man's shoes you are unable to understand his position. In Acho's interview with McConaughey, the latter asked; “how can I do better as a man, how can I do better as a white man?” it's not necessarily doing better as a man - white, black or whatever color one wants to be identified, it has to do with empathy, understanding and just treating someone fairly and the way you want to be treated as well. I ocassionally watch the Podcast "Speak For Yourself" not only because the hosts Acho and Wiley are both wise and educated both academically and in the filed of sports but also because they both bring a level of banter that makes you want to tune in on a regular basis. I am happy that Emmanuel has written this book. It will encourage dialogue and bring about understanding. I wish him much success in all his endeavors. Submitted by Jacqueline Carr - Author of "Quiet Thoughts"

Brian Flores files Class-Action Lawsuit against the NFL

Brian Flores, recently fired coach of the Miami Dolphins, has filed a Class-Action lawsuit against the NFL, along with Miami, Denver and New York, alleging a practice and pattern of racial discrimination as described in his attached lawsuit here. Perhaps this is what the subject author Emmanuel Acho, a former NFL player, was talking about when he indicated in his book that whites should have that "uncomfortable" conversation with blacks, as the NFL is made up of 70% black players, yet there is now only 1 black coach, Pittsburg Steelers' coach Mike Tomlin, and there are no black owners among the NFL. Just today. it was indicated by Brian Flores that white owners seem to have that uncomfortable conversation with blacks, which is the basis of the lawsuit. 

Emmanuel Acho to Host 'The Bachelor' on March 15.

It has just been announced that the author Emmanuel Acho is expanding his horizons by being selected to host 'The Bachelor', in an episode titled "After the Final Rose" on March 15.