JD Mass discusses his new book “Race for What?” It provides stories with a unique perspective from a white man’s experience and illustrates seven steps to healing.
JD Mass gets the race question
JD Mass, PsyD, releases his book, Race for What? A White Man’s Journey & Guide to Healing Racism from Within. Mass tells the story of growing up in a Black community and witnessing racism firsthand, as well as his successes and missteps in building powerful alliances with the community in which he was raised.
Part memoir, part how-to, and entirely real, this masterfully woven book takes readers back in time to St. Louis in the 80s and 90s, when Mass was growing up with a circle of creative friends and influences. The talent he bonded with, such as the rapper Nelly, would set the stage for a life of music, religion, culture, community development, and politics.
Mass says, “I have been on a lifelong journey to learn why racism was created and what we can look forward to without it. Change is happening. Will it be the superficial change that doesn’t bring forth justice or the transformational healing that is needed? Race for What? provides a vision for the latter.”
Race for What? provides stories with a unique perspective from a white man’s experience and illustrates seven steps to healing. Mass encourages white people to work through the emotional and psychological obstacles in order to repair and heal the harm racism has caused.
In the interview, JD discusses:
- · Seven steps for addressing the racial divide
- · Reparations and why we need them
- · Why the “it’s not as bad as it used to be” argument is flawed
- · His white privilege and experiences growing up in a Black community
- · Being Nelly’s business manager
- · Why and how Nelly brought JD in to help with everything from nightclub ventures to clothing brands
JD Mass earned his doctorate in Organizational Psychology and became heavily involved in white antiracism groups in Los Angeles, and later in St. Louis. This work inspired him to write Race for What? A wise thinker and guide, JD hopes for our society to finally correct the harm of racism and help create a humane world.