Thriving While Black: The Act of Surviving and Thriving in the Same Space was the winner in the Politics/Current Events category of the 2021 IndieReader Discovery Awards, where undiscovered talent meets people with the power to make a difference.
Following find an interview with author Cori Willams.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Thriving While Black: The Act of Surviving and Thriving in the Same Space. Published 10/2020.
What’s the book’s first line?
Finding Comfort, with being Uncomfortable!!!!
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
“Thriving While Black” sets out to explore the psychological and emotional consequences of being Black in corporate America. “Ain’t I an American?” the famous words of Langston Hughes, is a question every Black person unwittingly asks themselves. The playing field for Whites and Blacks is not equal, whether in education, science and technology, life expectancy, earning, or social strata. Blacks have been discriminated against and excluded based on their skin color, which creates the question of what their place is in America
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
As a Licensed Therapist I have had the pleasure of working many aspiring and seasoned professionals of color, who have shared stories that truly inspired me and contributed to the overall theme of the book. Moreover, as a professional, Some of the stories and historical supporting factors were in direct correlation to much of my own experience while working in corporate spaces.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
Since this is a non-fictional book based on current events/politics, my goal was to inspire the reader and hopefully create a relatable and educating experience for them as they read through the book. My hope was that the reader could see themselves in the readings and be inspired by the idea of living in their truth and simply find comfort in being their authentic selves.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
If America truly prides itself in diversity, there should not be a forced need for Blacks to adopt mainstream White culture, hair styling, speech mannerisms, dress codes, etc., and neglect their own African American identity just to fit into corporate America. The beauty of diversity is not gathering different and diverse people and trying to make them act the same way. Instead, it is bringing diverse people together and allowing their diversity to thrive. This is the reason that many should read this book.
Is this the first you’ve written?
I’ve co-authored various academic scholarly journals, but yes this is my first book.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The best part of being an indie is the freedom one would have when attempting to establish their own voice and leave an impactful mark in this world. The hardest part would be the overall financial commitment that an indie would incur, when one desires to reach the masses beyond their financial reach.