Through the fog of tear gas and smoke, chants and speeches, tired feet and hoarse voices, America is asking the question: Who do we want to be? It’s an important question—one filled with the possibility of equality, justice, freedom for all. But it’s a question we cannot ask of just one system. While all eyes are analyzing what it means for police to serve and protect, we cannot stop there. It is imperative that we meet this moment. That we each do our part to take a closer look at the racial inequalities in our workplaces, in our schools, in our worship communities, in our neighborhoods.

I’m Still Here is just one story, my story of navigating America as a Black woman. It’s about the daily indignities of racism. It’s about the resilience of Black women. I write about my journey to self-worth and the pitfalls I’ve seen that kill our attempts at racial justice—whether they took place in Black Cleveland neighborhoods, private schools in the middle-class suburbs, inside prison walls, or in conference rooms at majority-white organizations. It’s my story. But it’s the story of many, who are tired of the daily strain of racism.

May we meet this moment with courage and imagination. May this book be one step on your journey.