Letters to My White Male Friends

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In A Letter to My White Male Friends, Dax-Devlon Ross addresses middle-aged white men awakening to the realities of race and racism. These men are beginning to understand that merely not being racist is insufficient to combat racism. They seek deeper insights into how racism has affected not only Black individuals but themselves as well, recognizing that it distorts everyone. This work aims to assist white men committed to change in developing the awareness and emotional capacity to sustain that commitment, ultimately contributing to racial justice for all. In the first part, Ross explores what it meant to be part of the first generation raised after the civil rights era, highlighting how education often perpetuated colorblind narratives that favored whiteness and marginalized Blackness. He shares his personal experiences in predominantly white schools, encouraging readers to reflect on instances where racism was present, even if unnoticed. In the second part, Ross illustrates how acknowledging the harm racism inflicted on him, and forgiving himself, fostered empathy to recognize its impact on white individuals. The final section provides actionable guidance for white men to engage in meaningful change within their workplaces, communities, families, and personal lives, especially as conversations about race evolve.