Ackerman’s Community Book Club selection for February is The Isis Papers: The Keys to the Colors by Frances Cress Welsing.
The Isis Papers: The Keys to the Colors by Frances Cress Welsing, was selected to offer a thought-provoking and provocative consideration of where racism and White supremacy come through the lens of a Black American Woman, educated and trained in the field of psychiatry. It offers a psycho-analytic perspective by deconstructing symbols, images, and unconscious processes within the White psyche that create White Supremacy ideologies and subsequently racism.
Many institutions across the nation, including Ackerman, have declared their commitment to social justice, racial equality, and addressing disparities. This commitment to focus on race is commendable and important in providing racial equality in mental health. Yet, has any therapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist thought to ask, why is there racism or White supremacy in the first place? Or, where did it come from? Dr. Frances Cress Welsing, a Black American psychiatrist asked these questions and her answer is The Isis Papers: The Keys to the Colors.
Book club selection and description written by Ana Hernandez, PhD, LMFT.
About Ackerman’s Faculty Social Justice Book Club:
Ackerman’s 2023-2024 Faculty Social Justice Book Club offers a new book, article, video or podcast every other month for reflection and learning. We invite the entire Ackerman Community to join us as we explore diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging along with the impact of larger societal forces on individuals, couples, families and communities. We aim to inspire curiosity and increase knowledge, understanding and compassion toward acceptance of difference.
We hope you will enjoy these selections individually or with colleagues and friends. We especially hope they will lead to honest conversations and connection.