Sharon Hurley Hall’s I’m Tired of Racism: True Stories of Existing While Black launches October 1, 2022. When Sharon asked if I wanted an advance copy for review, I jumped at the opportunity. I also pre-ordered the book.
Sharon is one of my writing heroes. But even more so, one of my human being heroes, especially in her new chosen path.
As an anti-racism activist, writer, and educator, Sharon is an important voice in the fight against racism. Her latest book is an emotional journey of vulnerability and injustice.
Tired of Racism
Meeting Sharon
I first “met” Sharon online in my early days as a freelance business writer. It was in Sharon’s pre-photo stage (which she explains in her book).
I instantly clicked with Sharon’s professionalism, expansive knowledge, and excellent writing. Simply put, I liked her style – professionally and personally.
But that admiration only grew as Sharon took a courageous leap from B2B client work to her current commitment as an anti-racism activist. Imagine the strength to move from a successful, flourishing freelance writing career to her current vocation.
Sharon’s international experience makes this book invaluable in its global perspective.
- She has lived and worked in the Caribbean and Europe, including England and France.
- Many of her B2B freelance clients are U.S.-based.
- Talk about credibility!
So, what did I think about I’m Tired of Racism?
Moving Forward
The book begins with a forward by Ashanti Maya Martin, one of the many gifted writers Sharon has introduced her readers to. Ashanti is the author of the widely shared New York Times article, Black LinkedIn Is Thriving. Does LinkedIn Have a Problem With That?
In her beautifully written Forward, Ashanti captures the bone-weary tiredness of the book’s title. She sets the stage for Sharon’s personal journey and the heart of the book’s value.
Quiet No More
Sharon opens her book with insight into why she is “no longer a quiet Black woman.” The murder of George Floyd was the impetus for Sharon’s transition to anti-racism activist. She could no longer be a quiet Black woman.
I believe it was in a shared email where Sharon said it was as if a dam burst. As you can imagine, Sharon notes that some people don’t like it when you change something about yourself. I very much appreciate her unapologetic honesty.
And that’s what you’ll find throughout Sharon’s book. The section, Call to Arms: I’m Tired (of Racism) has a list of items that I will never have to deal with…
I’m tired of the color of my skin being a reason to stop me from my daily rounds or being, in the US, a mark of death…
I’m tired of the double take when I walk into an interview…
I’m tired of the reduced expectations – the people who think I’m of lesser intelligence (trust me, I’m not!)… Note: This book more than establishes that.
The next section, Let’s Discard the Notion, challenges white people to do the work…unlearn long-held assumptions.
The Call to Arms continues with the effective use of repetitive introductory phrases including the following.
I don’t have the privilege…
Not all Black people…
Every time…
Sometimes I can’t believe…
I’m still waiting for…
One of the most heart-breaking for me was – I don’t have the privilege of being seen as simply “Sharon.”
Think about that.
The Heart of the Book’s Value
Before you dismiss much of this as a distant wall of words, the rest of the book makes it personal. Very personal.
Sharon opens her heart (and a lifetime of hurt) to share personal and professional stories. I hope you can walk around in her shoes and feel the truth.
George Floyd’s murder was the catalyst to energizing the fight against racism. As Sharon explained, “…there was outrage across races and even countries.” Enough was enough.
But I struggled with what I could do.
Sharon offers specific ideas on what we can do to help end racism. Even giving us all homework. 😊 That would be the educator in Sharon.
As a person of white privilege, I know I will never know what it means to be Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC). But I can educate myself, unlearn ingrained biases, and just #DoTheWork.
Communication on All Levels
Better business communication is the focus of this site. But I have always held that communication on all levels (professional or personal) is essential to success.
We preach the value of having a unique product but whitewash the value of another human. People are endlessly fascinating, and we can learn something positive from each encounter. If we listen with an open mind and heart.
I highly recommend I’m Tired of Racism: True Stories of Existing While Black. Feel and “take in all of Sharon’s reflections and contemplate the individual experiences of a Black woman in 2022.”* Then go #DoTheWork.
* From the Forward by Ashanti Maya Martin
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