Who was it that decided proper English was the correct way of speaking? Why was my intelligence constantly being measured by the pronunciation of the words I used? Why did I spend the first 35 years of my life trying to communicate in a way that would make Caucasians more comfortable with my Blackness?
After 40 years, I’ve finally realized that leaving our mark on the world can’t happen until we ignore the arbitrary social limitations of others, and intentionally cultivate the form of expression that makes each of us unique. The reality is that anyone can get better, but only a few will choose to “Be GOODER!”
Who was it that decided proper English was the correct way of speaking? Why was my intelligence constantly being measured by the pronunciation of the words that I used? Why did I spend the first 35 years of my life trying to communicate in a way that would make Caucasians more comfortable with my Blackness?
After 40 years, I’ve finally realized that leaving our mark on the world can’t happen until we ignore the social limitations of others, and intentionally cultivate the form of expression that makes each of us unique. The reality is that anyone can get better, but only a few will choose to “Be Gooder!”
There are a lot of authors that I'd never take advice from, especially on matters of race, equality, or even how to live a good(er) life. But Jay? He's real, he's truthful, and he's loving. He's helping individuals and organizations have difficult conversations that have kept many of us dormant and stagnant for decades (centuries?). Challenge yourself to learn from this man. You will not go wrong by picking up this book. Buy two and gift one to the leader of your organization.
Jason Lowe
This book is a book of revolution. It takes the idea of how God created each of us and celebrates that. It takes the history and the struggles each of us (and our ancestors) have endured and leans into how that has shaped us and challenges us to use it to change the world. The only thing left wanting at the end of this book is more stories of how this looks and will look in your life! Thanks for the opportunity to join you in this.
Nikki Hawkins
It's like being at a backyard barbeque and you meet this fascinating person that you just want to keep throwing questions and puzzles at to get their take. The 23 pages are worth way more than the time and cost you'll put in. You will walk away thinking but without having felt like someone forced you to.
Timmothy Merath
I recommend this book to you, especially if you're like me. I'm a white guy who loves the English language and wants everybody to speak it properly. Jay's book has helped me see that language isn't nearly as important as truth, and that how something is said is so much less important than what is said.
Through more than 20 years of experience in human resources, marketing, and pastoring, Jay English has learned a great deal about making connections with people and building bridges toward unity. But even more importantly, in his entire life as a black man in America, he has learned about the challenges that surface when cultures collide.
Jay is also the founder of the National Kneel for Nine Movement, and the creator of the Cross-Cultural Literacy Program.
Jay’s unique ability to simplify complex issues and encourage and empower people from all walks of life make him uniquely qualified to guide readers through a journey of cross-cultural leadership.
Through more than 20 years of experience in human resources, marketing, and pastoring, Jay English has learned a great deal about making connections with people and building bridges toward unity. But even more importantly, in his entire life as a black man in America, he has learned about the challenges that surface when cultures collide.
Jay is also the founder of the National Kneel for Nine Movement, and the creator of the Cross-Cultural Literacy Program.
Jay’s unique ability to simplify complex issues and encourage and empower people from all walks of life make him uniquely qualified to guide readers through a journey of cross-cultural leadership.