Cindi C Bright - The Color of Courage

Praise For The Color Of Courage

I love this books balance of vulnerability, honesty, and readability. Anyone, at any level in Corporate America, will relate to the characters described in this book. You will be crushed and inspired by each chapter, and youll also receive practical advice and tools about how to show up to the work of racial justice. Cindi is a gifted storyteller, as well as a practiced strategist. As an educator, I recommend purchasing a copy for each member of your work team and then forming a reading group, so you can unpack and debrief each chapter together.

Erin Jones, Independent Education and Systems Consultant, Public Speaker

Cindi Bright lays out her unfiltered story of oppressive Corporate norms and how they play out in everyday working life. As if talking to a friend over a glass of wine, Color of Courage leaves the reader no option but to self reflect on the role each of us plays in perpetuating racism in America.

Frances Dewing, Cybersecurity & Tech industry leader

You cant dismantle what you cannot see. This eye-opener book unveils the mechanics of racism and toxicity in Corporate America. A must-read for any leader serious about creating inclusive cultures.

Venus Rekow, CEO, Neural Shifts

This book is a must-read, not only for those enduring inequity, but for those unaware of the deep-seated, systemic, structural forces that drive these inequities. Through candid and engaging examples, and sometimes brutally honest dialogue, Cindi takes us to a place of practicality and comfort in calling out racist and bullying tactics, along with enforcing both institutional and individual accountability and change. If you have had enough waiting for reform and are interested in seeing results, this is the book for you.

Asha Pillai, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Immunology; Academic, Researcher, Physician

In this must-read book, Cindi not only exposes the hypocrisy of Corporate America, she points out how to move forward towards antiracism and accountability. This shift will be acutely painful in the short term for some, yet beneficial in the long term for everyone. Highly recommended for all who are trying to make a difference.

Karen Fleshman, Esq., Founder, Racy Conversations

Cindi Bright is one of the most powerful women I have the honor of calling a friend, colleague, and at times, co-catalyst. Her presence is the lightning that shakes your soul, and her words, the thunder that wakes your consciousness. A teacher, preacher, and prophet--this book will wake every person from their slumber and guide them towards truth and healing.

Shirline Wilson, Washington State Director, Democrats for Education Reform

Pour a glass of wine and prepare to be changed! Cindis book is not only groundbreaking, but is an approachable tool for examining Corporate culture and gaining the discernment needed to be an advocate for BIPOC colleagues in the workplace. Courage is needed to unmask both the pressures and the people you will meet in your professional experiences. Cindis compelling direction shows us the way.

Dr. Tracy Williams, CEO Blue Squad Washington

The Color of Courage: Crushing Racism in Corporate America
Copyright 2021 by Cindi Bright

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the expressed written permission of the author.

Published by:
Aviva Publishing
Lake Placid, NY
(518) 523-1320
www.AvivaPubs.com

Soft Cover ISBN: 978-1-63618-108-0
Hard Cover ISBN: 978-1-63618-036-6
eBook ISBN: 978-1-63618-137-0
Library of Congress Control Number: 2021900099

Editors: Erin Donley, Noelle Nightingale, Michael LaRocca
Cover & Interior Design: Fusion Creative Works, fusioncw.com

Every attempt has been made to properly source all quotes and attribute all research.

Printed in the United States of America
First Edition

Contents

Foreword:
by Aaron Bright

Can u c the pride in the pantha

as he glows in splendor and grace

Toppling OBSTACLES placed in the way

of the progression of his race

When my mom told me that she was going to write this book, I felt a roller coaster of emotions. I was excited but scared, proud but worried, inspired but fearful. Perhaps its because my mom is an expert in a very sensitive subject (race relations). Or maybe its because Ive seen her scream explicit language towards a referee in a basketball game for calling a blocking foul on me when it was clear (in her view) that it was a charge on the other team. Oh, and it was just the first quarter!

Nevertheless, I knew writing this book was something my mom needed to do. I knew it wasnt about me. It was about her and our familys lineage.

Can u c the pride in the Pantha

as she nurtures her young all alone

The seed must grow regardless

of the fact that its planted in stone

In 2015, the mega church Hillsong held a conference in New York City. At the time, I had just finished my collegiate basketball career, and pursuing my next venture felt like being an explorer without a compass. I was lost. Hoping to find inspiration and guidance, my mom and I bought tickets to the churchs conference.

We watched several powerful sermons and sang to some of our favorite hymns in a stadium of 20,000+ people. But our favorite moment was the final sermon, when the last pastor hit the stage. His charisma was so emphatic, and his quick wit made it feel like, at times, you were at a comedy club. His name was Judah Smith.

We had seen Pastor Judah give countless Sunday services, as he was the Head Pastor for Churchome, based right in our backyard in Kirkland, Washington. But when I saw Pastor Judah perform in a stadium of thousands of people, I was mesmerized. Wow, I thought. People love him. Look at what hes built.

Funnily enough, when we returned home, Pastor Judah gave another sermon the next Sunday. His message caught me off guard. What was it, you ask? Well, it revolved around how the church and his familys success only exist because of the work of his dad--who co-founded the church. Were all a product of our lineage, he said. What you see today, the lights, the stage, the nice suits, the beautiful choir, doesnt exist without the work and sacrifices of those who came before me.

Cant u c the pride in the panthas

as they unify as one

The flower blooms with brilliance

and outshines the ray of the sun

I cant tell you whats to come of the Bright family, but I can tell you that my moms role in the trajectory of our lineage is as one thats anything but a bench player. Her impact will be felt for generations to come as the experiences and work she has done over the course of her life have built a foundation for our family that eventually will be felt by the masses.