How to become a catalyst for change and transformation
Good people of privilege are increasingly aware of racial injustice but are often unsure how and even afraid to venture into challenging dialogues and spaces. Necessary Risks: Challenges Privileged People Need to Face encourages readers to value risk-taking as the path toward a more equitable and just world.
“If you read and ponder Teri McDowell Ott’s remarkable book, as I just did, it could change your life… She traces her own process of coming to terms with her White privilege… I’m so glad I read this book. You will be too”
–John M. Buchanan, pastor emeritus, Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago, and former editor/publisher, The Christian Century
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What others are saying…
“Teri McDowell Ott’s Necessary Risks is a wonderful, systematic, and practical introduction to the soul-saving work that privileged White Christians who take Jesus seriously must do.”
– Angela Cowser, associate dean of Black church studies and DMin programs at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
“Teri McDowell Ott’ provides the pragmatic, daily guidance that can help people bring about a more equitable and inclusive society. It is a necessary and faithful reframing of the risk for ‘White privileged souls.’”
– Patrick B. Reyes, author of The Purpose Gap
“Necessary Risks is the hardest book I’ve read so far this year not because of the manner in which it is written, but because the content spoke directly to me and pushed me to know more, do more, and be better as a person of privilege.“
– Greg Smith, Executive Director of the White Rock Center of Hope and blogger at So What Faith
“”How can we challenge ourselves to take steps in bringing about social justice in the face of our fears? How can we break down barriers and eliminate the boundaries that have been erected?… Necessary Risks is a highly readable and practical guide for those looking for ways to pursue a more equitable society. Be prepared to be moved to action!”
– Teresa Kaldor, board member of Christian Education Network of the ELCA
Teri McDowell Ott 