All the White Friends I Couldn't Keep

Hope - and Hard Pills to Swallow - About Fighting for Black Lives

By: Andre Henry

Narrated by: Andre Henry

Length: 6 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's Summary

A leading voice for social justice reveals how he stopped arguing with White people who deny the ongoing legacy of racism - and offers a proven path forward for Black people and people of color based on the history of nonviolent struggle.

“A moving personal journey that lends practical insight for expanding and strengthening the global antiracist movement.” (Patrisse Khan-Cullors, co-founder of Black Lives Matter, best-selling author of When They Call You a Terrorist)

When the rallying cry “Black Lives Matter” was heard across the world in 2013, Andre Henry was one of the millions for whom the movement caused a political awakening and a rupture in some of his closest relationships with White people. As he began using his artistic gifts to share his experiences and perspective, Henry was aggrieved to discover that many White Americans - people he called friends and family - were more interested in debating whether racism existed or whether Henry was being polite enough in the way he used his voice.

In this personal and thought-provoking book, Henry explores how the historical divides between Black people and non-Black people are expressed through our most mundane interactions, and why this struggle won’t be resolved through civil discourse, diversity hires, interracial relationships, or education. What we need is a revolution, one that moves beyond symbolic progress to disrupt systems of racial violence and inequality in tangible, creative ways.

Sharing stories from his own path to activism - from studying at seminary to becoming a student of nonviolent social change, from working as a praise leader to singing about social justice - and connecting those experiences to lessons from successful nonviolent struggles in America and around the world, Andre Henry calls on Black people and people of color to divest from whiteness and its false promises, trust what their lived experiences tell them, and practice hope as a discipline as they work for lasting change.

©2022 Andre Henry (P)2022 Random House Audio

POIGNANT AND RELEVANT

I could not stop listening. Each chapter opens up with a connection that segues into the deep evil of White Supremacy. Our unconscious existence marching to a drumbeat that leads to no glory in the end, but for the beat maker.

Essential Activist Reading

Andre Henry skillfully addresses many of the tensions those doing justice work face. His powerful story sharing and teaching are highly insightful and more than relevant.

A Must Read

Relatable moments of pain and anger with examples of freedom in hope explained in a realistic & tangible way to live with a balance.

Must read

I remember listening to Andre Henry speak on the Dirty Rotten Church Kids around the time this book was released. His words inspired me as I was beginning to decolonize. Listening to this book has convicted me of much of my past anti-blackness and racism, while also educating me immensely.
For anyone who is on their anti-racist and decolonization journey, this is a must. Henry quotes many civil rights leaders and speaks from his experience as an activist in LA. There is a lot of grief, hope, and yet joy in his words. Let them change you.

Just what I needed

This was just what I needed for where I am in my apocalypse and my journey

Hungry4pizza

This was a fantastic book. Enjoyed listening very much. 10 out of 10 would recommend.

Radical JOY for freedom fighters

Andre did such an incredible job of sharing painful stories and wrapping the beginning, middle, and end with joy! I loved learning how he navigated his faith, inequity, and connecting his roots to deeper purpose. As a DE&I and joy Practitioner, I resonated with this book deeply.

A life changing book

I found myself sharing many many parts of this book because they were so profoundly true. The honesty and vulnerability demonstrated in order to educate is such an immeasurable sacrifice for the author. I hope he knows how grateful I am for his story.

Excellent and eye opening book

As a white person trying to do better myself with making space for black people this book was informative, challenging and helpful. The author shares vulnerability and his experience with how it feels to be ‘living in this black body’. Thank you Andre for the courage to share this with a broad audience.

excellent personal account of racism

Andre Henry gives us a keen insight into his evolution from being a goof Negro in an Evangelical Christian church to a revolutionary, anti-racist, free thinking Black man whose Jamacan roots inspire him to fight on, with hope.

Inspiring!

This book was everything I needed to read.

It reinforced the ideas I've been having and actions I've taken towards leaving some very toxic relationships behind.