Colors of Influence Reviews

As a Black investor and startup founder, Cliff Goins IV brings firsthand experience and sharp insight to one of America’s most urgent issues: the racial wealth gap. Having navigated the worlds of finance and entrepreneurship, Goins has seen up close the systemic disparities in wealth creation, access to capital, and asset management. From unequal opportunities in homeownership and education to persistent challenges in business funding and employment, the historical gaps are perpetuated in present-day practices. In "Minding the Wealth Gap," Goins skillfully blends data, lived experience, and the insights of experts to illuminate the deep-rooted economic disparities facing Black Americans. More importantly, he highlights the power of collective uplift. Through the voices of nine dynamic “gap closers,” Goins shows how real change happens when Black investors and leaders open doors for others. Each success “play” or strategy underscores the ripple effect of support. Selena Cu...

The modern practice of yoga in Western culture is often criticized for disconnecting from its cultural, historical, and spiritual roots. In many studios and gyms, yoga is reduced to a fitness routine—focused on stretching rather than its original purpose of enlightening the mind. In "A Beginner’s Guide to the Roots of Yoga," celebrated practitioner Nikita Desai reconnects readers with yoga’s ancient Indian origins. Drawing on her Indian heritage, Desai explores the deeper meanings behind yoga’s forms, postures, and intentions, offering a rich historical and philosophical context for those seeking a more authentic practice. Desai shares her personal journey of reclaiming yoga’s essence, inviting readers to do the same by integrating cultural awareness into their practice. Her tone is welcoming and nonjudgmental, making the book accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Although I do not practice yoga, my meditation roots lie in Zen Buddhism. Through conversations with prac...

Illustrator Christina De Witte "Noodles, Rice, and Everything Spice" is a delightful read for readers of all ages. It takes us on a captivating journey, sharing the diverse backgrounds of collaborators Christina De Witte (illustrator, pictured above) and Mallika Kauppinen (writer). Their personal quests to embrace and share Thai culture are intertwined, creating a narrative that is both engaging and relatable. Kauppinen grew up in Thailand, and Belgian De Witte searched for bridges to her maternal culture. Together, they offer their love of Thailand through its rich and diverse cuisine, beloved across the world. The book offers a fascinating insight into Thailand's history, including its interactions with Chinese traders and Portuguese explorers. This historical context enriches our understanding of how Thai cuisine has evolved through the ages. Perfect for readers of all ages seeking an accessible and enjoyable introduction to Thai cuisine, this book is not just a co...

Ebony Stewart’s "Wash" is a powerful, unflinching poetry collection that draws the reader into a world of raw emotion, deep introspection, and lyrical brilliance. As I read through the poems, I found myself captivated by Stewart’s honest reflections on identity, love, loss, and healing. Her voice is unapologetically bold, revealing the complexities of being a Black womxn navigating relationships, societal expectations, and hard-fought victories toward self-worth. Yet, her themes are universal, resonating with anyone who has grappled with their own identity and relationships. What struck me most was Stewart’s emotional transparency: each poem feels like a cleansing, a shedding of shame, doubt, and grief, revealing the triumph of knowing one’s value in a world that often seeks to diminish it. Stewart doesn’t shy away from exploring the pain of extractive love or the vulnerability of desire, but she also leaves room for empowerment and resilience. As a celebrated spoken word ...

In "Words for My Comrades: A Political History of Tupac Shakur," Dean Van Nguyen expertly weaves a compelling narrative of Tupac Shakur’s legacy on global resistance and liberation struggles. Anchored in his mother Afeni Shakur’s activism in the Black Panthers movement, 2Pac’s body of work represents defiance and opposition to classist and racist power. I read this book as a Gen Xer, a non-Black immigrant woman of color who found meaning in both hip hop and grunge rock cultures of my youth. The cultural history of hiphop through 2Pac’s persona and music presented opportunities for nostalgia and grief about our generation’s collective loss when 2Pac was gunned down, a loss of a powerful voice that spoke to our struggles and aspirations. To build the story arc of a revolutionary hero, Van Nguyen expands the narrative by detailing the young rapper’s awakening into the realities of racial disparities, political marginalization, and economic inequities. Van Nguyen demonstrates ...

"Over in the Mangroves" is a vibrant tribute to the unique biodiversity of the Sundarbans National Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site situated along the border of India and Bangladesh. The lush mangrove ecosystem is at the confluence of the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers. Teeming with life, it is home to a variety of mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, and insects. The Sundarbans’ intertidal forests are ecologically vital and serve as a critical buffer against climate threats in the region, which is home to 5 million people. Author Jyoti Rajan Gopal reimagines the classic nursery rhyme “Over in the Meadow” to introduce young readers to the interconnected lives of the forest’s inhabitants. With rhythmic, lyrical verses, the book underscores the essential role that forests play in nurturing and sustaining life. Each stanza invites children to count along as they meet new animal families, emphasizing themes of cooperation, interdependence, and environmental stewardship. ...

Uprooted is the memoir of Ron Smith, a Black gay music minister who chronicles his struggle to balance his orientation and Christian faith. This ultimately ends with him leaving the church. The book, however, is not an indictment against the church. It is a journal of the author’s life from birth to the present, highlighting events that drove him to come to a decision he never thought he would have to make. He moves the reader beautifully through alternating moments of humor, despair, and finally, joy. His journey encourages us to allow no one or nothing to restrict us from living the full life we desire and deserve. The path to self-discovery is laden with challenges and surprises. Friends and loved ones may fall away or become closer with each step toward the truth. In a revealing and reflective memoir, Ron Smith shares his journey from serving in Christian ministry to coming out at church. Through “Uprooted: A Gay Music Minister’s Journey Away from Church,” Smith highlights the ...