You Are Your Best Thing by Tarana Burke

You Are Your Best Thing by Tarana Burke

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - Tarana Burke and Dr. Bren Brown bring together a dynamic group of Black writers, organizers, artists, academics, and cultural figures to discuss the topics the two have dedicated their lives to understanding and teaching: vulnerability and shame resilience.

Contributions by Kiese Laymon, Imani Perry, Laverne Cox, Jason Reynolds, Austin Channing Brown, and more

It started as a text between two friends.

Tarana Burke, founder of the 'me too.' Movement, texted researcher and writer Bren Brown to see if she was free to jump on a call. Bren assumed that Tarana wanted to talk about wallpaper. They had been trading home decorating inspiration boards in their last text conversation so Bren started scrolling to find her latest Pinterest pictures when the phone rang.

But it was immediately clear to Bren that the conversation wasn't going to be about wallpaper. Tarana's hello was serious and she hesitated for a bit before saying, Bren , you know your work affected me so deeply, but as a Black woman, I've sometimes had to feel like I have to contort myself to fit into some of your words. The core of it rings so true for me, but the application has been harder.

Bren replied, I'm so glad we're talking about this. It makes sense to me. Especially in terms of vulnerability. How do you take the armor off in a country where you're not physically or emotionally safe?

Long pause.

That's why I'm calling, said Tarana. What do you think about working together on a book about the Black experience with vulnerability and shame resilience?

There was no hesitation.

Burke and Brown are the perfect pair to usher in this stark, potent collection of essays on Black shame and healing. Along with the anthology contributors, they create a space to recognize and process the trauma of white supremacy, a space to be vulnerable and affirm the fullness of Black love and Black life.

Tarana Burke has always been struck by a commitment to justice and equity. As the founder of the 'me too' movement and subsequent nonprofit, Burke works to dismantle the cycle of sexual violence and other systemic issues that disproportionately impact marginalized people. Tarana's passion for community organizing began in the late 1980s, when as a young girl she joined a youth development organization called 21st Century. Since then she has launched initiatives around issues of racial discrimination, housing inequality, and economic justice. Her work has connected a vast network of influential people, including much of Hollywood, the founder of the Women's March Tamika Mallory, leading intellectuals and authors like Ishmael Beah and Gloria Steinem. She was 2017 TIME Person of the Year and the winner of the 2019 Sydney Peace Prize, and has been the recipient of countless other accolades.

SKU	Unavailable
EAN	9780593243626
Title	You Are Your Best Thing
Release date	2020-09-18
Studio	Somm Recordings
Condition	Unavailable

Edited by	Tarana Burke
Edited by	Brené Brown