Gratitude

“Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse.”

Henry Van Dyke

I am following the natural impulse of thanking you for how you have enriched my journey with Hey,White Girl.

Four years ago I opened a box filled with bright green copies of Hey,White Girl that had the fresh ink scent of a bookstore.(Such a cool moment!) I also started the unexpected journey of learning from my own words.

The writing of the novel had begun nine years before. It began with my own memories and meshed with others’ accounts, research, and my current experiences with the racial disparities in education. The swirling blend became Hey,White Girl. I thought my “retro” story may be considered outdated. When I began writing, not many white people were talking about racism. A common perspective was that the issue had already been addressed.

As it turns out, the themes in Hey,White Girl are not outdated. Far from it. Over the past four years I’ve had the privilege of talking with many individuals and dozens of groups about what I learned through writing about the busing experience. Readers of different races and ethnic groups have responded with their own experiences and reflections. Together we have grown in our understanding of what it means to pay attention and to show up in our daily lives in a more just way. I’m still learning.

I am so grateful for the people I have met and the relationships that have developed through this unexpected journey. I am indebted to every reader who has trusted me enough to spend time reading my words. I am particularly touched by the folks who have taken time to tell me what has resonated with them and what they have learned. Thank you.

A new novel is taking shape, but that’s for later. This month is for celebrating Hey,White Girl. Please feel free to forward this email to anyone you think would also resonate with Nell's story.

Thank you!

Happy Thanksgiving!

J