Caste
“Choose not to look, however, at your own peril. The owner of an old house knows that whatever you are ignoring will never go away. Whatever is lurking will fester whether you choose to look or not. Ignorance is no protection from the consequences of inaction. Whatever you are wishing away will gnaw at you until you gather the courage to face what you would rather not see.”
― Isabel Wilkerson, Caste
Beautifully written, original and revealing, Caste is an immersive, deeply researched narrative exploring how America today and throughout its history has been shaped by a hidden caste system. Using compelling stories about people —including Martin Luther King, Jr., baseball’s Satchel Paige, a single father and his toddler son, and the author herself —Isabel Wilkerson shows the ways that the insidious undertow of Caste is experienced every day.
Crossing Boundaries: A Traveler’s Guide to World Peace
More than 30 alumni, parents, and supporters from the Hands of Peace community came together for a candid and engaging discussion about “Crossing Boundaries: A Traveler’s Guide to World Peace” in November with author Aziz Abu Sarah.
During Founder Gretchen Grad’s interview with Aziz you learned how good travelers are driven by curiosity and how you can be an ambassador in people to people diplomacy. After Gretchen’s interview, participants gathered for breakout discussions about satisfying the travel itch during COVID and making more meaningful connections when you are finally able to make that next trip.
Go here to watch Gretchen’s interview with Aziz
How to Be an Antiracist
More than 50 alumni, parents, and supporters from the Hands of Peace community came together Sunday, August 16, for an open, candid and courageous discussion about “How to Be an Antiracist.” Hands of Peace Outreach Coordinator and alumna Maeve Plunkett joined with Raising Youth Voices Program Coordinator Dania Zanaid to co-host the Hands of Peace Virtual Book Circle, in partnership with the San Diego Diplomacy Council.
Named one of the best books of the year by The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Publisher’s Weekly, “How to Be an Antiracist” is the featured book for the Hands of Peace August Virtual Book Circle. Praised as “The most courageous book to date on the problem of race in the Western mind” (New York Times), Kendi’s groundbreaking work brings a new approach to understanding and uprooting racism and inequality.
Take Action to Address Racism: Curated by youth from Hands of Peace: Raising Youth Voices, this helpful list includes actions to take, resources and organizations to support.