The

The Welcome to a special episode of Conversations with Coleman.

Today I'm going to be reading a review of Ibram X. Kendi's best-selling book, How to Be an Anti-Racist.

But before I do that, I'd like to read an open letter that I wrote to Kendi in the hopes of having a conversation with him.

So here's that letter.

Dear Professor Kendi, I'm writing you this letter in the hopes that you and I can have a public conversation.

As you know, the current moment has seen a renewed focus on the issues of racism and inequality.

On these topics, your writing has proved hugely influential.

As I write this, How to be an Anti-Racist has spent 30 weeks on the New York Times bestsellers list.

And Stant from the beginning has spent

19. The more your ideas spread, the more they elicit both praise and criticism. My own view

falls in the latter category. I've offered criticisms of your work, and I've put forward an alternative

vision, which is why I believe a conversation between us

in the spirit of genuine truth-seeking would be fruitful.

Many people pay attention to each of us because we represent widely held, but importantly,

different visions for how the nation and ultimately the world should address the issues of race

and racism. As a result, many in our respective audiences,

as well as people who see elements of truth in both of our perspectives, would welcome this

conversation. As an initial suggestion, I'm offering my podcast Conversations with Coleman as a venue.

If you prefer a different venue, I'd be happy to accommodate.

To move us all toward a beneficial cause, I've set up a GoFundMe page. Anyone who wants to see

this conversation happen can donate, and all the proceeds raised will go to the United Negro

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