Dear White Friend: The Realities of Race, the Power of Relationships and Our Path to Equity. This item is unavailable.Dear White Friend: The Realities of Race, the Power of Relationships and Our Path to Equity

Dear White Friend is a book written from the personal perspective of the author The tone of the book is collegial and balanced with a clear desire to express understanding and an interest in being understood. Each "letter" has a combination of personal reflection, the presentation of meaningful facts and a challenge to the reader to come to understand something they may not have known. Gravely uses his lengthy experience as a civic leader to express a rare balance to his message on race. The third and final part of the book is focused on specific solutions. He explores ideas for individuals, business leaders and for entire communities. Gravely's approach makes the conversation about race more accessible for those who may have been uncomfortable. Gravely challenges the reader but does so without judgment or accusation. He defines important terms in layman's language. The entire book is wrapped in the idea of closing the gap between blacks and whites and as the author says, "and everyone in between."

Mel Gravely is the majority owner and CEO of a commercial construction company in Cincinnati, Ohio. One of the largest construction companies in the region, it is a consistent member of the Deloitte 100 list of the largest privately owned companies. An active civic leader who has chaired the board of the chamber of commerce, Gravely has served on the board of the United Way, was a founding board member of the regional economic development entity, and was vice chairperson of the community arts fund. He co-chaired the Cincinnati Regional Business Committee, a group of 100 middle market CEOs working collectively toward meaningful civic action. He is also a board member of several private companies. Author hometown: Cincinnati, OH