Alyssa Johnson

I just read some articles on race literate psychotherapy. I have a number of friends who have counseling degrees and I've had really interesting convos with them about psychology and how Western psychology is rooted in White Eurocentric studies, experiences and perceptions.

A lot of what I learned in the articles is applicable to the legal profession. Becoming more mindful of Whiteness, the White experience, the experiences of BIPOC, and how racism can show up whether we intend for it to or not.

I really enjoy race literacy work. Learning where my own racism is blinding me and hurting people of Color is important to me. This wasn't always the case. Certainly the first couple of years of my race literacy journey were very painful as I continually bumped up against my White supremacist beliefs and values.

I had a ginormous fragile White woman ego and I had to work with it.

But with the 4 Cs - clarity, conviction, courage and compassion - I kept at the race literacy work and my ego calmed down as my self-awareness grew.

I'm starting a book club for White women lawyers because I think we're extremely powerful. And if we can switch our allegiance to people of Color rather than White supremacy, I think White supremacy will collapse.

I'm thinking we'll read one book every couple of months.

I'm certain that I want us to read:

1. My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem

2. White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo

3. Antagonists, Advocates and Allies: The Wake-up Call Guide for White Women Who Want to Become Allies with Black Women by Catrice M. Jackson. *True story - I threw this book across the room after reading the first chapter and I spent the better part of a weekend crying in bed. It took me a couple of years to pick it back up and read it. And I'm so glad I did. It's phenomenal.

I'm open to suggestions from people for other books to read.

Feel free to comment below on books that have deeply impacted you on your race literacy journey.

Day 2 helping with her Big Happy Money in-person mastermind event