Breaking Down Walls Raleigh Washington & Glen Kehrein (Moody) The honesty, pain and hope of the story of these two men and their struggle to model a ministry of racial reconciliation makes this a perfect book with which to begin reading in this area.
More Than Equals: Racial Healing for the Sake of the Gospel Spencer Perkins & Chris Rice (IVP) Similar to the above title, but just a touch more in depth, these two men worked hard through injustice, pain and distrust to model reconciliation. A substantial analysis of the complexities of racism in America makes this especially useful.
All God’s Children: A Biblical Critique of Racism Steve McKenzie (Westminster) This essential book walks readers through the Bible, section by section, exposing racism and showing God’s intention for racial and ethnic unity.
I Have a Dream: Writing and Speeches That Changes the World Martin Luther King (HarperCollins) There are other, larger collections, but this is the perfect intro to Dr. King’s remarkable words. Don’t miss it!
Dismantling Racism: The Continuing Challenge to White America Joseph Barndt (Augsburg) A hard-hitting and strategic plan to actually have an impact on the racism that surrounds us and is within us written by an experienced urban pastor.
If It Wasn’t for the Women Cheryl Townsend Gilkes (Orbis) An important academic treatise on the role of women in black church and community written by an well-respected black feminist Christian and ordained Baptist pastor.
One New People Manuel Ortiz (IVP) This great and practical book urges churches to not put aside ethnic differences, but to affirm and celebrate them. A good guide to ministries of racial diversity.