Dive into Diversity – The Ultimate DEI Booklist
Navigating workplace diversity, equity and inclusion requires a robust toolkit—one that DEI books have equipped me with over the years.
These books offer step-by-step guides and practical advice, sharpening my awareness of unconscious bias, inclusive language and accessibility. My interactions with co-workers and stakeholders are enriched, fostering a genuine inclusive culture.
If you aim to amplify workplace culture and resonate with the real-life experiences of diverse individuals, you've landed in the right space.
Together, let's leverage these inclusion books to cultivate a brighter future. And for those eager to dive deeper—maybe in a book club with peers—consider me your guide on this enlightening path.
17 Best DEI Books
After carefully reading countless titles, I've selected the best DEI books that address the pressing challenges you seek to overcome.
- How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
- White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Dr. Robin DiAngelo
- So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
- Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People by Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald
- How to Be an Inclusive Leader: Your Role in Creating Cultures of Belonging Where Everyone Can Thrive by Jennifer Brown
- Diversity in the Workplace: Eye-Opening Interviews to Jumpstart Conversations about Identity, Privilege, and Bias by Bärí A. Williams
- Black Fatigue: How Racism Erodes the Mind, Body, and Spirit by Mary-Frances Winters
- Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
- Better Allies: Everyday Actions to Create Inclusive, Engaging Workplaces by Karen Catlin
- DEI Deconstructed: Your No-Nonsense Guide to Doing the Work and Doing It Right by Lily Zheng
- Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor by Layla Saad
- We Can't Talk about That at Work!: How to Talk about Race, Religion, Politics, and Other Polarizing Topics by Mary-Frances Winters
- Inclusive 360: Proven Solutions for an Equitable Organization by Bernadette Smith
- The Culture Map: Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business by Erin Meyer
- The Inclusive Organization: Real Solutions, Impactful Change, and Meaningful Diversity by Netta Jenkins
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Strategies for Facilitating Conversations on Race by Caprice Hollins and Ilsa Govan
- Inclusalytics: How Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leaders Use Data to Drive Their Work by Victoria Mattingly Ph.D., Sertrice Grice MS, and Allison Goldstein
Overviews Of The 17 Best DEI Books
Here’s a quick summary of each book, what you’ll learn, and why you should read it, plus a quote I like from the book. I added the author’s LinkedIn and other places to connect with them online.
1. How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
Summary:
How to Be an Antiracist delves into the foundations of racism and proposes a refreshing vision of an antiracist society. Kendi combines ethics, history, and law, intertwining his own awakening to antiracism.
What You'll Learn:
The differences between non-racist and antiracist, the historical roots of racist thoughts and their effects, and practical steps to pivot from passive non-racism to active anti-racism.
Why You Should Read It:
Kendi's groundbreaking narrative will reshape the way you perceive racial dynamics. His propositions to reverse racial disparities are not just profound but actionable.
Quote From The Book:
"The opposite of racist isn't 'not racist.' It is 'antiracist.'"
About The Author:
Ibram X. Kendi is a renowned historian and author. He’s also the founding director of the Boston University Center for Antiracist Research. Connect with him on LinkedIn, follow him on Twitter, or explore his personal website.
2. White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Dr. Robin DiAngelo
Summary:
Dr. Robin DiAngelo examines why white individuals often evade discussions about racism and how this evasion perpetuates racial inequality.
What You'll Learn:
How white fragility develops and protects racial prejudice, the dynamics of white superiority, and tools and strategies to engage constructively in conversations about racism.
Why You Should Read It:
For anyone aiming to understand the intricate mechanisms sustaining racial inequity and seeking to cultivate a more inclusive environment, this book is indispensable.
Quote From The Book:
"White supremacy is something much more pervasive and subtle than the actions of explicit white nationalists."
About The Author:
Dr. Robin DiAngelo is a scholar, lecturer, and trainer on issues of racial and social justice. Get to know her further on LinkedIn, follow her updates on Twitter, or delve deeper into her work on her personal website.
3. So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
Summary:
This accessible and straight-talking guide tackles the racial landscape in America, addressing head-on issues like privilege, police brutality, intersectionality, and microaggressions.
What You'll Learn:
The dynamics of racism on personal and societal levels, the importance of intersectionality in conversations about race, and actionable guidance on discussing topics of race with clarity and empathy.
Why You Should Read It:
For those striving to converse about race but uncertain of where to begin, Oluo provides the roadmap.
Quote From The Book:
“Racism is a system, not an event.”
About The Author:
Ijeoma Oluo is an acclaimed writer and speaker, addressing subjects of race, feminism, and social justice. Engage with her professional insights and stay updated with her tweets on Twitter, or discover more about her worldview on her personal website.
4. Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People by Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald
Summary:
Blindspot explores the subconscious biases everyone carries from exposure to cultural attitudes about age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, social class, and more.
What You'll Learn:
The mechanics of implicit bias, methods to unveil personal biases, and strategies to diminish their influence.
Why You Should Read It:
For insights into biases that sway your actions and how to equip yourself for more objective decision-making.
Quote From The Book:
"Biases that we carry without our conscious awareness cause us to perceive social groups in ways that are at odds with reality."
About The Author:
Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald are leading psychologists recognized for their innovative work on implicit bias. Connect with Mahzarin on LinkedIn and Twitter.
5. How to Be an Inclusive Leader: Your Role in Creating Cultures of Belonging Where Everyone Can Thrive by Jennifer Brown
Summary:
Jennifer Brown guides leaders through the personal journey required to foster an inclusive workplace where everyone thrives.
What You'll Learn:
The Inclusive Leader Continuum stages, actionable strategies for inclusive leadership, and advice for championing diversity in all scenarios.
Why You Should Read It:
To evolve your leadership, fostering diversity and inclusion, and stimulating innovation and business growth.
Quote From The Book:
"Inclusion is not only the right thing to do, it is the only thing to do."
About The Author:
Jennifer Brown is a renowned expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Engage with her on LinkedIn, follow on Twitter, or visit her personal website.
6. Diversity in the Workplace: Eye-Opening Interviews to Jumpstart Conversations about Identity, Privilege, and Bias by Bärí A. Williams
Summary:
Bärí A. Williams provides firsthand accounts from professionals of color, revealing diverse challenges faced in corporate America, aiming to spark crucial inclusion conversations.
What You'll Learn:
Direct experiences of color professionals, daily challenges in workplaces, and impactful strategies to foster genuine corporate inclusivity.
Why You Should Read It:
For an unfiltered insight into the experiences of professionals of color and tools to develop truly inclusive workspaces.
Quote From The Book:
"Stories break barriers. They provide a window into experiences unlike our own and have the potential to create a common understanding."
About The Author:
Bärí A. Williams, a prominent tech executive and legal counsel, is lauded for her insights on tech diversity and inclusion. Connect with Bärí on LinkedIn, keep updated on Twitter, or delve deeper at her personal website.
7. Black Fatigue: How Racism Erodes the Mind, Body, and Spirit by Mary-Frances Winters
Summary:
Black Fatigue uncovers the physical and psychological tolls of persistent racism on Black individuals, revealing the multifaceted impacts of generational oppression.
What You'll Learn:
The true depth of the fatigue stemming from systemic racism, the cumulative effects of microaggressions, and strategies for mental and emotional self-preservation.
Why You Should Read It:
To understand the profound, often overlooked effects of sustained racism on Black communities and to foster empathy and actionable allyship.
Quote From The Book:
"Black fatigue is the physical and psychological toll on African Americans’ daily lives just to survive, let alone thrive."
About The Author:
Mary-Frances Winters is a sought-after expert in organizational development and diversity & inclusion. Engage with her on LinkedIn, follow on Twitter, or explore her personal website.
8. Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Summary:
Written as a letter to his teenage son, Coates explores the realities of being Black in the U.S., weaving a personal narrative with broader historical and societal analysis.
What You'll Learn:
A deep introspection into Black identity, the systemic structure of racism, and the enduring struggle for Black liberation.
Why You Should Read It:
For a profound, poetic, and intensely personal perspective on Black life in America.
Quote From The Book:
"In America, it is traditional to destroy the black body—it is heritage."
About The Author:
Ta-Nehisi Coates is a distinguished writer and journalist, recognized for his insights on African-American culture. Explore more about his works in his Amazon portfolio.
9. Better Allies: Everyday Actions to Create Inclusive, Engaging Workplaces by Karen Catlin
Summary:
Karen Catlin presents a guide filled with actionable advice for individuals aiming to create more inclusive and diverse workplaces.
What You'll Learn:
The tools to identify and address systemic biases in workplaces, daily practices to support underrepresented colleagues, and techniques to drive inclusivity.
Why You Should Read It:
To actively transform yourself into a more supportive colleague and to foster an environment where everyone thrives.
Quote From The Book:
"Being an ally means recognizing oppression and, in the face of that oppression, taking on the struggle as your own."
About The Author:
Karen Catlin, a former tech executive, is now an advocate for inclusivity in tech. Connect with Karen on LinkedIn, follow her insights on Twitter, or delve deeper into her personal website.
10. DEI Deconstructed: Your No-Nonsense Guide to Doing the Work and Doing It Right by Lily Zheng
Summary:
DEI Deconstructed is a pragmatic guide that breaks down the complexities of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to provide actionable and meaningful steps for those committed to real change.
What You'll Learn:
The core components of DEI, how to implement DEI initiatives successfully, and how to navigate common pitfalls in the journey of creating inclusive spaces.
Why You Should Read It:
For a clear, concise, and insightful roadmap to effectively advance DEI initiatives in personal and professional realms.
Quote From The Book:
"True DEI work requires more than just good intentions—it demands informed, consistent action."
About The Author:
Lily Zheng is a dedicated DEI consultant and strategist, known for transforming organizational cultures. Engage with Lily on LinkedIn, follow her on Twitter, or explore her personal website.
11. Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor by Layla Saad
Summary:
Layla Saad's work is a compelling call to action, prompting readers, particularly those who identify as white, to examine their role in the perpetuation of white supremacy.
What You'll Learn:
A deep dive into the dynamics of white supremacy, the introspection required for dismantling internalized racism, and steps towards active allyship.
Why You Should Read It:
To challenge and reshape perspectives on racism, cultivating a mindset focused on long-term change.
Quote From The Book:
"I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept."
About The Author:
Layla Saad is an influential writer and speaker, shedding light on racial justice, identity, and personal transformation. Connect with Layla on LinkedIn and visit her personal website.
12. We Can't Talk about That at Work!: How to Talk about Race, Religion, Politics, and Other Polarizing Topics by Mary-Frances Winters
Summary:
Mary-Frances Winters presents strategies to initiate and manage difficult conversations about divisive subjects in the workplace, promoting genuine understanding.
What You'll Learn:
The methodologies for fostering open dialogue about sensitive subjects, understanding different perspectives, and building bridges across divides.
Why You Should Read It:
For insights into effectively navigating challenging topics, promoting harmony, and fostering inclusivity in professional settings.
Quote From The Book
"Being silent about the challenges of our times is not an option."
About The Author:
Mary-Frances Winters, previously introduced, is an expert in organizational development and diversity & inclusion. Engage further on LinkedIn, stay updated on Twitter, or delve into her work at her personal website.
13. Inclusive 360: Proven Solutions for an Equitable Organization by Bernadette Smith
Summary:
Inclusive 360 is a comprehensive guide offering evidence-backed solutions to transform organizations into more inclusive and equitable spaces.
What You'll Learn:
Strategies to assess current organizational inclusivity, actionable plans to foster equity and methods to sustainably implement inclusive practices.
Why You Should Read It:
To drive systemic change within your organization, ensuring that inclusivity is woven into its fabric.
Quote From The Book:
"Equity isn't just a goal; it's a journey of organizational self-discovery."
About The Author:
Bernadette Smith is a pioneering DEI consultant known for her holistic approaches to organizational change. Connect with Bernadette on LinkedIn, follow her on Twitter, or explore her personal website.
14. The Culture Map: Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business by Erin Meyer
Summary:
Erin Meyer decodes the complexities of global communication in "The Culture Map", providing insights into the subtle cultural cues that define global business interactions.
What You'll Learn:
How cultures around the world perceive communication, feedback, trust, and decision-making, and techniques to navigate these differences successfully.
Why You Should Read It:
To enhance your cultural intelligence, ensuring effective and respectful international business interactions.
Quote From The Book:
"Cultural patterns of behavior and belief frequently impact our perceptions, cognitions, and actions."
About The Author:
Erin Meyer is a professor at INSEAD and an authority on cross-cultural management. Engage with Erin on LinkedIn and follow her insights on Twitter.
15. The Inclusive Organization: Real Solutions, Impactful Change, and Meaningful Diversity by Netta Jenkins
Summary:
Netta Jenkins provides a roadmap to establish genuinely inclusive organizations, emphasizing real solutions, impactful change, and meaningful diversity.
What You'll Learn:
The foundational elements of inclusive organizations, actionable strategies to drive DEI, and approaches to measure and ensure progress.
Why You Should Read It:
For an actionable framework to revolutionize your organization's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Quote From The Book:
"Diversity is a fact; inclusion is a choice we make every day."
About The Author:
Netta Jenkins is a renowned DEI leader, helping companies embed inclusivity into their cultures. Connect with Netta on LinkedIn and stay updated on Twitter.
16. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Strategies for Facilitating Conversations on Race by Caprice Hollins and Ilsa Govan
Summary:
This compelling guide offers a deep dive into creating safe spaces for conversations on race, ensuring they are productive, respectful, and transformative.
What You'll Learn:
Techniques to facilitate meaningful dialogues on race, tools to navigate potentially challenging discussions, and ways to ensure long-lasting understanding and change.
Why You Should Read It:
To become adept at fostering dialogues on race, driving deeper understanding, and creating truly inclusive environments.
Quote From The Book:
"Real change begins with open, honest, and informed conversations."
About The Author:
Caprice Hollins and Ilsa Govan are seasoned experts in cultivating conversations on race and DEI. Connect with Caprice on LinkedIn and with Ilsa on LinkedIn. Delve into their work at their personal website.
17. Inclusalytics: How Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leaders Use Data to Drive Their Work by Victoria Mattingly Ph.D., Sertrice Grice MS, and Allison Goldstein
Summary:
Inclusalytics shines a light on how DEI professionals use data to inform their strategies, ensuring impactful and measurable outcomes.
What You'll Learn:
The power of data in DEI work, methodologies to gather and interpret DEI metrics, and the ways data-driven insights can transform organizational cultures.
Why You Should Read It:
To harness the power of data in your DEI initiatives, ensuring actionable insights and measurable success.
Quote From The Book:
"Data doesn't just inform DEI; it drives meaningful, sustainable change."
About The Author:
Victoria Mattingly Ph.D., Sertrice Grice MS, and Allison Goldstein are pioneers in integrating data analytics with DEI. Connect with Victoria on LinkedIn, engage with Sertrice on LinkedIn, and reach out to Allison on LinkedIn.
Which DEI Books Do You Recommend?
While this compilation provides a comprehensive look into DEI literature, I acknowledge there may be gems I've overlooked. I invite readers to share any notable books on the subject that you believe should be part of this essential reading list. Your recommendations will be greatly valued and appreciated.
Further resources to aid you with your career development:
- The Ultimate List: 17 Best Organizational Psychology Books
- 28 Best HR Books You Should Read In 2023
- 25 Leadership Books For New And Experienced Leaders
- 11 Best DEI Certifications
You might also consider attending one of these DEI conferences to connect with other DEI professionals and share knowledge and expertise.