Something Bigger Than Ourselves uses short, socially relevant essays to explore a variety of viewpoints on the topic of race in America. Each reflection works to keep human beings (warts and all) compassionately centered throughout its narrative. The book is best suited for people with a broad curiosity and appreciation of the complexities of racial dynamics in social situations and systems. As with the human condition, Something Bigger Than Ourselves is at times humorous, often passionate, sometimes analytical, and always forthcoming-telling it like it was, saying it like it is, and hoping how it might be. While it's true that individual actions (and inactions) contribute to the experiences of race, it is also true that the institutions and systems of which individuals are a part also play a role. This "both/and" condition is one of the things that make race so difficult a subject to tackle. Within these pages are:

• The author's own racial biases, blunders, and takeaways
• Critical impressions on racial oppression and its effects on people
• The considerable toll people of color and white folks experience engaging in racial justice work
• Investigations into cultural practices that contribute to (or work against) racial understanding
• Inquiries about the systemic nature of race and oppression and its connections to individuals
• Approaches for consciously navigating the complexities of race with an eye toward compassion