Description

Commemorating its 2oth year in print with a new Introduction and updated content, Shifting explores the many identities Black women must adopt in various spaces to succeed in America. 

Based on the African American Women's Voices Project, Shifting reveals that a large number of Black women feel pressure to compromise their true selves as they navigate America's racial and gender bigotry. Black women "shift" by altering the expectations they have for themselves or their outer appearance. They modify their speech. They shift "white" as they head to work in the morning and "Black" as they come back home each night. They shift inward, internalizing the searing pain of the negative stereotypes that they encounter daily. And sometimes they shift by fighting back. In commemoration of its twentieth year in print with a new Introduction and updated content throughout Shifting is a much-needed, clear, and comprehensive portrait of the reality of Black women's lives today.

About the Author

Charisse Jones is a national correspondent for USA Today. A former staff writer for the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, she has been a commentator for National Public Radio and a contributing writer for Essence magazine.

Kumea Shorter-Gooden, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist in private practice and a former professor at the California School of Professional Psychology of Alliant International University, Los Angeles. 

Praise For…

“A deeply moving, intimate and important book about the emotional costs for Black women in white America.” — Harriet Lerner, author of The Dance of Anger

“Always moving, at times haunting, and often inspirational, Shifting provides a richly textured look at the lives of Black women.” — Bebe Moore Campbell, author of What You Owe Me

“Searing...as I read Shifting... I wanted to rip out chapters and send them to nearly everyone I know.” — Gwen Ifill

“Jones and Shorter-Gooden are wise, warm and candid, breaking new ground.... An important and powerful book for us all. — Mary Pipher

“Meaningful and poignant...this well researched and beautifully written book is a must read.” — William Pollack, Ph.D., author of Real Boys

“Poignant…based on research garnered from the African American Women’s Voices Project, the largest study to date of black women.” — Booklist

“Stress is a common theme...the authors found good news...’We’re learning that we don’t have to lose ourselves.’” — Essence

“Urgent...compelling and educational…a real contribution.” — Publishers Weekly