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Book Review: How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race

Editor's Note: This review was originally published in Seattle Book Review. 

Kwame Christian, Esq.

Every workplace interaction can be perceived as cross-cultural negotiation: requiring communication and conflict resolution skills for effective communication. Kwame Christian’s "How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race" offers practical tips for professionals to navigate contentious and uncomfortable discussions about race and the impacts of racism at work. He notes that creating positive change must be modeled by leaders, who are often reluctant to talk about issues concerning race. Working on systemic change, one must be ready to face skepticism, criticism, and resistance. A leading expert in negotiation in business and legal settings, Christian brings best practices in persuasive communication to advance diversity and inclusion efforts in the workplace.


Christian’s perspective on successful negotiation is anchored in psychology, communication studies, and conflict resolution. I read the book from my vantage point as a seasoned diversity practitioner. It was refreshing to approach emotionally charged racial equity discussions from a negotiation expert’s perspective. The author offers examples of real-world scenarios that touch on employee relations, and operational and management concerns. Christian has an extensive background in leadership development, and this is reflected in the way the book is written: straightforward, pragmatic, and outcome-oriented. The wealth of strategies included in the book apply to various contexts and are essential in conversations about race. 

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