We want you to see race -- We can enjoy Ed Sheeran, BTS, and Cardi B -- Certain things are racist, even if you don't know it -- You could at least try to pronounce my name correctly -- This isn't a fad : this is my culture -- So your friend is racist. What should you do? -- No. You can't. No. You shouldn't. And don't ask that -- No, I didn't get here by affirmative action (and if I did, so what?) -- Let's not do oppression olympics -- We don't care what your Black, brown, or Asian friend said was okay (F.U.B.U.) -- In the end : we don't need allies, we need accomplices -- An encyclopedia of racism -- People and things to know -- The "Black friend" playlist.

Writing from the perspective of a friend, Frederick Joseph offers candid reflections on his own experiences with racism and conversations with prominent artists and activists about theirs--creating an essential read for white people who are committed anti-racists and those newly come to the cause of racial justice. "We don't see color." "I didn't know Black people liked Star Wars!" "What hood are you from?" For Frederick Joseph, life as a transfer student in a largely white high school was full of wince-worthy moments that he often simply let go. As he grew older, however, he saw these as missed opportunities not only to stand up for himself, but to spread awareness to those white people who didn't see the negative impact they were having. Speaking directly to the reader, The Black Friend calls up race-related anecdotes from the author's past, weaving in his thoughts on why they were hurtful and how he might handle things differently now. Each chapter features the voice of at least one artist or activist, including Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give; April Reign, creator of #OscarsSoWhite; Jemele Hill, sports journalist and podcast host; and eleven others. Touching on everything from cultural appropriation to power dynamics, "reverse racism" to white privilege, microaggressions to the tragic results of overt racism, this book serves as conversation starter, tool kit, and invaluable window into the life of a former "token Black kid" who now presents himself as the friend many readers need. Backmatter includes an encyclopedia of racism, providing details on relevant historical events, terminology, and more.