About The Author
JD Mass PSYD
Our issue is no longer apathy or ignorance. Our issue now is seeing the way forward through the fog of debate over semantics, political distractions, and self-congratulation. We have to finish the journey we started. It is time we finally repair the harm we have intentionally caused.
Backstory
Our age appears increasingly polarized, leaving many to ask what might be done to further heal relations between black, white and brown people? Can we open our hearts, minds and souls, and ask ourselves just what exactly are we racing for?
Growing up within a black community, witnessing racism firsthand, activist JD Mass PsyD tells of his successes and missteps in building powerful alliances with melanated people. JD’s parents chose to raise him in the only diverse community in St. Louis where he was able to witness and experience racism and cultural differences. It sparked an inner desire to understand why we created such a world.
JD has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a tennis teaching organization with his college coach. Shortly after graduating with a degree in finance, he played a pivotal role of structuring Nelly’s early business ventures, including Apple Bottoms Jeans and Derrty Entertainment.
JD followed his time with Nelly by joining The African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem to learn community building based on health, peace, and sharing.
In 2017 JD achieved his doctorate in Organizational Psychology and became heavily involved in white antiracism groups in Los Angeles and later in St. Louis. This work in anti-racism reflecting on what he learned throughout his journey inspired him to write “Race for What?” A wise thinker and guide, JD dares white folks to stay the course to finally correct the harm of racism and help create a humane world.
This book will not make you comfortable. It will challenge you to dig deeper, think harder, and make room for new possibilities.
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RACE FOR WHAT?
Race is currently a hot topic of discussion. Questions being considered are: Does racism still exist? What does equity look like? How do we achieve justice?
Anti-black racism is real. It hasn’t been corrected and it won’t go away on its own. Aboriginal (Black) and Indigenous folks have carried the burden for far too long. It is time for white folks to take the next step and complete the mission.
Race For What? provides stories with a unique perspective from a white man’s experience and his idea for seven steps to healing. JD Mass PsyD, the author, encourages white people to work through the emotional and psychological obstacles in order to repair and heal the harm racism has caused.
JD Mass has been on a lifelong journey to learn why racism was created and what we can look forward to without it. Change is happening. Will it be the superficial change that doesn’t bring forth justice or the transformational healing that is needed? Race For What? provides a vision for the latter.
