Living while Black: My Experience with "Everyday Racism"

"Living While Black: My Experience with 'Everyday Racism'" is a profoundly personal exploration of systemic racism and the myriad forms it takes in the daily lives of Black Americans. Each story in this unique collection is derived from the author's personal encounters and experiences, illustrating how racial bias, unfounded assumptions, and misunderstanding can pervade even the most ordinary situations.

Distinctive in its approach, this book presents each issue through the lens of a single, focused narrative, offering readers the chance to view familiar contexts from an entirely new perspective. Accompanying discussion questions challenge readers to question the motivations and consequences behind the stories, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy towards People of Color.

More than just a recounting of experiences, "Living While Black" calls on readers to ask themselves how they can make a difference. By bearing witness to these stories, it is hoped that readers will not only become aware of systemic racism's insidious presence but also feel empowered to act against it. This collection offers a vital first step towards recognizing and dismantling everyday racism.

Beverly Harris-Schenz, a distinguished professor and author, has been breaking barriers throughout her illustrious career. As the first Black faculty member in the German departments at the University of Pittsburgh, University of Massachusetts, and Rice University, she has had a profound influence on academia. Beverly held significant positions, including being the first Black female appointed Vice Provost and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies at the University of Pittsburgh, and Academic Dean of a Semester at Sea voyage.

Retirement has not slowed Beverly's mission to educate and enlighten. She has authored an essay on her mother's early life and two poignant stories that have been published in the anthology, "Voices from the Attic," by Carlow University Press. In "Living While Black: My Experience with 'Everyday Racism'," Beverly shares her experiences to challenge stereotypes, foster understanding, and instigate change. She currently resides in Pittsburgh, PA, with her husband.