Race Isn’t Real, Racism Is

The concept of race has no biological foundation, but its consequences are very real. This is the paradox at the heart of my book Race Isn’t Real, Racism Is: An Anti-Racist Handbook for Real Change (in progress, publication in 2025). We’ve been conditioned to believe in race as a way to categorize human beings, but the truth is that race is a social construct, created to serve the interests of those in power. Racism, on the other hand, is the lived reality for many, with real, tangible consequences that affect people’s lives, health, opportunities, and futures.

In this book, I explore the origins of race—how it was invented as a tool to justify slavery and economic exploitation—and how it has since morphed into a system that continues to reinforce power dynamics across all areas of life. But more importantly, the book delves into how we can begin to dismantle racism and the invalid structures it creates, using the tools of Centered Leadership—Inquiry, Intention, Imagination, and Impact—to guide us toward true transformation.

Unpacking the Lie of Race

Race was created as a mechanism of control. It allowed those in power to justify the subjugation of entire groups of people, primarily for economic gain. From the start, race wasn’t about biology or genetics; it was about power, resources, and money. By categorizing people based on superficial characteristics like skin color, those in power could divide society, gain economically, and maintain their position at the top.

In the book, I explore the scientific evidence debunking race as a genetic reality, using findings from projects like the Human Genome Project to show that human beings are 99.9% genetically identical. The differences between us, while visible on the surface, are not tied to any inherent differences in ability, intelligence, or worth. Yet, despite this, race continues to shape our societies, institutions, and interactions in profound ways, in part because we believe in its fallacious origin.

Racism’s Real Consequences

While race may not be real, racism is. The systems, policies, and behaviors that have been built around this false idea are deeply embedded in society. The consequences of racism are felt daily, from health disparities and economic inequality to violence, discrimination, and systemic exclusion. These aren’t just the outcomes of individual prejudices—they are the result of a system that was designed to maintain power in the hands of a few.

Racism operates at both macro and micro levels. It’s in the laws and policies that shape our education, housing, and employment opportunities, and it’s in the everyday microaggressions and biases that people of color experience in their interactions with others. It is also in the “invisible” benefits to white people that advantage them across social, political, and economic domains. The key to dismantling racism, then, is recognizing how it operates in both visible and invisible ways—and working to disrupt it at every level. There is work for everyone to do here.

Reclaiming Power and Identity

Racism affects everyone, but it operates differently for different groups. Understanding this is critical to effectively dismantling its systems. For white people, racism grants unearned advantages and privileges, often unseen or unacknowledged. For people of color, particularly Black people, racism creates barriers, disadvantages, and tangible harms.

For those affected by racism negatively, the journey begins with reclaiming a sense of power and identity. For those who benefit from racism, the work starts with recognizing the unearned advantages they receive and understanding how these privileges perpetuate inequality. The book provides a framework for addressing both sides, starting with the four pillars of Centered Leadership:

• Inquiry: By asking questions and challenging the narratives we’ve inherited, we can begin to unpack the myths around race. Why do we believe the things we do about race? What purpose do those beliefs serve, and who benefits from them?
• Intention: Once we’ve started questioning, we can act with intention, making deliberate choices that reflect our commitment to anti-racism. Whether in our workplaces, communities, or personal lives, we can be intentional about disrupting harmful systems.
• Imagination: This pillar encourages us to envision a world where race no longer determines one’s opportunities or outcomes. It’s not enough to reject racism intellectually—we must also imagine a society where everyone’s humanity is acknowledged and valued. What would such a world look like?
• Impact: Finally, we must translate reflection and imagination into action. Race Isn’t Real, Racism Is offers practical steps for challenging racism in everyday life, from confronting racist remarks to advocating for policy changes and building more inclusive spaces.

Dismantling Racism Through Collective Action

Racism thrives on division. It’s a tool that has been used to keep people separated, ensuring that power remains concentrated in the hands of a few. But as we recognize the falsehood of race and the reality of racism, we also begin to see that our true power lies in collective action. It is heartening to see movement by philanthropic and client-serving organizations supporting anti-racist agendas.

In the book, I stress the importance of coming together—across racial lines—to work toward dismantling these harmful systems. Whether you are Black, white, or non-Black/non-white, we all have a role to play in challenging the status quo. This means not only questioning the systems of power we live under but also working actively to create new ones that are more just, inclusive, and equitable.

What Can You Do?

At its core, Race Isn’t Real, Racism Is is a call to action. It’s about more than understanding the problem—it’s about committing to be part of the solution. Throughout the book, you’ll find reflective questions, exercises, and practical strategies designed to help you take steps toward anti-racism in your daily life.

The journey to dismantling racism is long, but it’s one we must take together. By challenging the false narratives of race, reclaiming our identities, and working collectively to dismantle harmful systems, we can create a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

So, where will you start?

I’d love to discuss these ideas with you and hear your thoughts on how we can move forward together. The book isn’t out yet, but I wanted to share these reflections as I continue to write. Let’s start a conversation about how we can all play a role in building a more just world.