Dear White Friend: The Realities of Race, the Power of Relationships and Our Path to Equity

My friend, I do not believe you are a racist.

Melvin Gravely eloquently accomplishes what many have undoubtedly wished to do: talk openly to someone we know about race in the United States today. Gravely uses significant experience as a business and civic leader to express a rare balance in this timely message. Dear White Friend is a forthright, collegial conversation via chapters in the form of letters, each with a combination of personal reflection and meaningful hard facts. Gravely challenges the reader but without judgment or indictment. His depth of thought, deftness of expression, and clear, layman’s terms make for an urgent call to begin to close the gap between races in America. The book presents an invitation to understand three questions at the heart of the issue: What is really going on with race in our country? Why must we care? And what can we do about it together? In the end, Gravely calls on us to ask ourselves, “What is my role in all of this?” After reading Dear White Friend, readers will understand why their answer to his question can change everything.

Mel Gravely is the majority owner and CEO of a commercial construction company in Cincinnati, Ohio, that is a consistent member of the Deloitte 100 list of the largest privately owned companies. He is an active business and civic leader who has chaired the board of the Cincinnati Regional Chamber of Commerce, served on the board of the United Way, was a founding board member of the Cincinnati Regional Economic Development Initiative (REDI Cincinnati), and vice chairperson of Artswave, the largest community arts fund in the nation. He also chaired the Cincinnati Regional Business Committee, a group of 100 middle market CEOs working collectively toward meaningful civic action.

Gravely earned a BS in Computer Science from Mount Union University, an MBA from Kent State University, and a Ph.D. from the Union Institute and University. He has written eight business books. He is the father of three adult children and married to Chandra (Webb) Gravely. They have one granddaughter.