You’re invited to read and discuss the first Antiracist Book Club selection of the 2023-24 academic year.

The reading for Blocks 2 and 3 is The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee. This book is a groundbreaking exploration of the zero-sum paradigm which drives economic inequality and has its origin with the establishment of racial hierarchy during colonialism, fueling individual, organizational, and systemic racism. McGhee argues that the zero-sum paradigm, which once served the economic interest of whites, no longer benefits anyone in society except the very wealthy. For example, most people making under $15 an hour are white. Most people without health care are white. We all live under the same sky and are all vulnerable to climate change. McGhee lays bare uncomfortable truths about race, slavery, the American academy, economic policies, and the waning of public goods.

Please click here to join the ABC Microsoft Team for a discussion guide, video of McGhee speaking at Colorado College and other resources related to this and other books in the series.

All books are provided free of charge with your CC Gold Card and is now available for pickup at the CC Bookstore. Be sure to fill out this registration form prior to pick-up.

Please be aware that this book contains disturbing content; specifically, physical acts of violence and verbal assaults of a racist nature.

The Antiracist Book Club is meant to be self-led and asynchronous. We encourage you to create space to discuss these books and their topics in the spaces you already inhabit (e.g., department meetings, athletics teams, student clubs/organizations, etc.) at your own pace. Check out our webpage on upcoming readings for this year.

Happy reading!