Striving for Antiracism
Striving for Antiracism: My Imperfect Journey is a deeply personal and unflinching exploration of what it means to pursue antiracism as an ongoing practice rather than a destination. Through honest storytelling, reflection, and critical analysis, the book examines the complexities of race, identity, privilege, accountability, and transformation in a time of rising polarization and injustice. Grounded in both vulnerability and action, it challenges readers, especially white readers, to move beyond performative allyship and toward meaningful solidarity rooted in humility, courage, and collective liberation. While acknowledging the difficulties and discomfort inherent in this work, Striving for Antiracism ultimately offers hope: that through intersectional solidarity, honest self-examination, and sustained community action, we can build a more just and humane future together.
Buy Striving for Antiracism:
Casey Tonnelly
About Casey Tonnelly
Casey Tonnelly (they/them) is a white, queer, non-binary coach, author, and facilitator based in Los Angeles. With over two decades of experience in antiracism, community building, and organizational equity work, Casey empowers individuals and organizations to move beyond performative allyship and into meaningful, sustained action. Their coaching philosophy centers around curiosity, compassion, and a commitment to fostering transformative relationships that honor the full humanity of each participant. Through their work at Beyond Thinking, Casey has collaborated with community organizations, government agencies, and corporate teams to dismantle inequitable structures and build cultures of belonging. Their memoir, Striving for Antiracism: My Imperfect Journey, offers an unflinching look at the journey of unlearning, vulnerability, and transformation. Casey currently lives in the Pacific Northwest, where they continue to write, facilitate, and build beloved community rooted in authenticity and justice.
Learn MoreWhat People Are Saying
What People Are Saying
Tonnelly presents a fascinating journey of self-discovery in a highly engaging reflection on their own transformation. But even more, it's a compelling indictment to examine YOUR core. Their opening words struck me hard--like a gut punch. Left lingering questions. And I kept reading. Page after page after page. You will too.
If you're like me, you'll think you're peering into another person's experience. Their riveting experience. "Dang-it. Now I'm late for work and I still can't put this book down." And then somewhere around Chapter 4 or 5, you'll realize you're no longer a voyeur. Tonnelly has subtly turned the page into a mirror, and while you're experiencing their journey, you are somehow glimpsing your own.
I think, more than anything, this is a story of a growing awareness. Tonnelly sees things through a different lens than I've used. And candidly, their precision is a little alarming. They must be wicked smart! While Tonnelly is reflecting on their own journey, they're laying down a template for engaging with people who aren't like me--for seeing others the way they are. All seemingly by accident. But I'm pretty sure it's not an accident.
Tonnelly reminds us that reflection "is one of the most important antiracist actions we can take." Their growth was earned. Your time will be well spent.
Casey Tonnelly has written something rare: a book that is both deeply personal and quietly universal. Their journey toward anti-racism is not framed as a political awakening but as something more intimate — an excavation of the stories they were handed down, by family, by church, by community, about who belongs, who matters, and what it means to be "good."
What struck me most was Casey's unflinching honesty about the particular trap of goodness. The version of goodness they were raised with demanded compliance, deference to authority, and the comfort of those already in power — not genuine connection across difference. Releasing that definition, and building one aligned with their own values and their desire to truly show up for people of color, required a kind of courage that Casey renders beautifully on the page.
Though my background differs from theirs — different family, different community, no church — I recognized myself throughout. Those of us socialized as women in particular know the gravitational pull of performing goodness rather than practicing it. Casey's story reminded me that discomfort in the moment can be a sign you're moving toward something more authentic.
The book reads quickly, not because it's light, but because it's gripping. The ideas linger long after the last page.
I would encourage any white person to read this — and especially any white woman. You may see how far you've come. You may also see who you're still becoming.
