In this book, Bart Bailey explores the individual and collective narratives/scripts that shape a human being. Bailey offers a vulnerable and authentic look at the generational layers that impact the way one sees the world, without blame, shame or guilt. It’s In Our Bones is about courageously looking at what’s been baked into our bones, honoring those truths, and having the courage to let some of those things go which hinder our collective humanity.
Readers are encouraged to journal for themselves and explore their own narratives, and will hopefully find renewed curiosity about humans whom they would normally other.
Bart Bailey continues to share his wisdom and experience in this book. A consummate leader/DEI professional understands how to communicate history and thought leadership from an individual and strategic point of view. Bart continues to help organizations understand the importance of this work and the importance of bringing one’s authentic self. In this book, he shares family and current world challenges; he shares a pragmatic approach to such a challenging topic.
–Ed Hurley-Wales (He/His/Him)
Diversity and Inclusion Consultant
“It’s In Our Bones is truly a multifaceted masterpiece. Cleverly, Bart Bailey takes us through the harsh and complex realities of American racial injustice, poses guided steps for dismantling racism both in people’s individual lives, and in the corporate structure, and teaches the power of hope. He also emphasizes the value of mental health, shines a spotlight on some of Black history’s invisible heroes, and so much more. Additionally, with the incorporation of raw and personal anecdotes, Bart manages to unabashedly unveil himself while enhancing the big message of each chapter. All in all, It’s In Our Bones is a very vulnerable, insightful, and empowering read.”
“This book left me speechless. Each page breathed life into a vision that we as a society aspire to–a world where love triumphs over hate, where unity prevails over division. This book unapologetically embraces the essence of being black, while unwaveringly seeking harmony among all races. Bart explores the depth of his being, unmasking his unwavering belief in creating a world free from the shackles of hatred. This book awakens an urgent call within us to listen, understand, and come together in order to bridge the divides that separate us. This book serves as an invitation for us as a society to embark on a personal journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance while challenging us to become active participants in the creation of a world where love and unity reign supreme.”
“Bart Bailey’s magnificent book is about more than race and racism in America; it is about our central humanity. He leverages expertise as a diversity, leadership, and communications coach to explore such sweeping topics as healthcare, economics, policing, and sports. With each chapter, Bart ignites in readers a knowledge and understanding of the profound historical roots, empiric data, and human toll of racism, while proposing evidence-based and inspiring structural solutions for progress. Throughout the text, Bart also weaves deeply personal stories from his impressive family and life, creating a beautiful tapestry that does not shy away from the hard and brutal truths of our past, while allowing the reader to feel visceral anger, anguish, disgust, empathy, love, and, ultimately, great hope.”
Having known, appreciated and respected Bart for ten plus years I am challenged, educated, and stimulated by his new book. It is an expression of his true work. He is deeply embedded in nonviolent protest, the struggle for freedom, equality and justice that runs through Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr, and his own family’s work in combating racism and building community. Forceful but gentle, Bart creates a safe space for genuine dialogue among people with very different views. If you like him in print, you will like him even more in person in a group setting. He builds a “beloved community” wherever he goes. It’s in his bones, his heart, and his soul.
Roger Knisely
H & L Leadership Colleagues, LLC
“Terrific, relevant, thought-provoking tidbits about family, growing up, community relations and growth. Every individual, family, generation has stories that should be shared. Our challenge is to tell those stories and learn from them. Thanks, Bart, for adding to the conversation in such a succinct and engaging way. “
My hard copy of It’s in Our Bones by Bart Bailey has arrived in Aotearoa NZ.
I hadn’t made it passed 20 pages before l needed to pause more than once to walk off my automatic response of racing to my thoughts. I’m glad l’m reading it having had a good solid amount of years doing Resmaa Menakem’s practices because there’s subtle things in Our Bones that l’m might have just breezed over. Now l know better when to pause and process, walk and wonder, more deeply. As white folk we’re groomed to believe that our mind and thoughts are superior and are to be trusted because of generations of book based learning and often biblical training too When l learnt to be cautious and curious of such concepts the real body learning fro deep in my cells and bones began to appear. This feels like it’s going to be a great book to enhance that learning.
It had me at “Service is the purpose of being alive. ” because it resonated my own Nana’s words “the only reason to be kind is because you can!” And my Mum and other Nana who used to say ” If everyone does a little then no-one needs to do a lot.”
For me it’s all about ” need not greed ” and “What goes around comes around”
Hopefully my mokopuna/ grandchildren will be influenced to carry on these kindness traditions because that’s a legacy to be happy with! So far a brilliant book. Highly recommend.
Last point-As much as l detest the giant company that begins with “A” in this case it’s a better option as it saves a lot of postage if you are ordering outside USA. Unfortunately l inadvertently cost C2jedi a lot of $$ to send this book because international postage wasn’t enabled. I promise to pay it forward!
“Bart’s book is fantastic! I learned quite a bit and enjoyed learning more about him and his journey. It’s In Our Bones pulls back the layers of history and connects the dots from early slavery to today’s crisis for marginalized people. Bart masterfully weaves personal narrative with historical analysis, helping readers see how the past is not just prologue—it’s present. His vulnerability and insight make this a powerful, necessary read for anyone seeking to understand the roots of systemic injustice and how it continues to shape our world. It’s not just informative—it’s transformative.”