Companion Guide Packet:

For the individual looking to gain a deeper understanding of the book  My Black Friend Says…

Order yours today for $49.99

Leader’s Guide Packet: 

For a group of people looking to read and study the book, My Black Friend Says… together

Order today for $69.99

Companion Guide Packet:

Are you beginning to read My Black Friend Says…? Do you want to make sure you receive as much knowledge as possible to help you on your antiracism journey?

We’ve designed a package just for you.

You will receive all of the following:

• a My Black Friend Says…

• the Companion Guide

• digital access to pre- and post-training videos

EXCERPT FROM THE COMPANION GUIDE TO MY BLACK FRIEND SAYS…, PAGE 1:

Chapter 1: My Black Friend Says…

Questions for Reflection:

• Heather explains why she wrote the book and what she hopes the book will accomplish for the readers.  Why are you reading MBFS? What do you hope to learn? 

• On page 4, Heather states, “There is so much misinformation and misunderstanding of issues of race and diversity that we continue to find ourselves in conversations arguing about semantics instead of solutions.” 

  • In the past, what terms or phrases were emotionally charged and led you away from solution-based discussions?

  • Why do you think these terms are so uncomfortable for some people or for yourself?

Leader’s Guide Packet: 

Join with friends, colleagues, or peers to do an in-depth study of the book My Black Friend Says…

Afraid you might not know what to do to lead? We do all of the work for you! This leader’s packet includes all of the following:

• a copy of the MBFS book

• a copy of the Companion Guide to MBFS

• The Group Study Leader’s Guide which contains detailed notes on leading a study group through the book with discussion questions, activities, and reflection points

• Reproducible worksheets

• Short instructional videos for each chapter, led by Heather Fleming, in which she teaches concepts specific to the chapter

• Reproducible certificate of completion

This package has all you need to lead a successful group study in which you not only learn but have fun and create bonds in the process.

Excerpt from the Leader’s guide:

Chapter 1: My Black Friend Says…

Pro Tip Reflection Activity

In the “Pro Tip” at the end of chapter one, Heather uses the example of carrying a mattress on a trip to illustrate the harmful effects of shame in your learning process.  To further reinforce this lesson, let’s try an activity.

Step 1: Have at least one member of the group hold a large glass or mug and fill it close to the top with water.

Step 2: Have the person(s) holding the water attempt to do simple things like sit, stand, and move about the room while trying not to spill the water. You can create as simple or as complicated tasks as the group seems to be enjoying. 

Group Reflection questions:

1. What happened during this activity?  How much effort was put into not spilling the water?  What happened when it did spill?  How much longer did it take to complete the tasks than it would have if the participant(s) were not holding the water?

2. What does this illustrate to the group about carrying shame with you during this learning journey?  How would it impact everyone's efforts to learn, grow, and develop if no one was carrying around these unhelpful emotions?