Heather McGhee Delves Deeper Into The Impact Of Racism And Inequality With ‘The Sum Of Us’
essence.comThe Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together, published in February of 2021.Prior to the release of the book – which became a national phenomenon – this UC Berkeley Law School alum felt that there was more to say about the centuries-long problem that continues to plague the American people, and felt the need to expand further than her previous written format.
It birthed The Sum of Us, an audio series that picks up where her book left off – and looks to answer the question – “is multiracial organizing possible in a country so divided?”McGhee spoke to ESSENCE about her new podcast, how she connected with Higher Ground, and how people can support the movement in more ways than one.“This is not an audio version of the book by any means,” McGhee spoke on how the two mediums differ. “The book delves into the history of racism in America and the economic cost of racism, and it ends with the idea that by coming together we can create the power it takes to win for everyone; the end of the book was sort of just a kernel of that idea.
The podcast The Sum of Us is exclusively focused on that idea. The idea of the Solidarity Dividends; and the gain that can come from communities organizing across different kinds of race.
So each episode of the podcast goes into a different community, and tells a story of ordinary people who became activists.”Released on July 27, The Sum of Us really struck a chord with thousands of listeners, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect. “I think it came at a time when many people who want to see this country become fair and more just, are feeling frustrated and maybe a little hopeless,” she said of the response from her new endeavor. “So I didn’t realize when I started out.
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