Grand Rapids Community Foundation continues to deepen our focus on equity. As we work to carry out our new strategic framework, we are constantly seeking new ideas, insights and experiences to help inform our approach to equity-driven philanthropy. This is work we are excited to do in partnership with community; equity takes all of us.
We are inspired by artists, philanthropists and innovators who reflect on our past and reimagine our future – both in our local community and nationally. Below you’ll find a selection of books that our staff team has found useful in their work and personal lives. We hope you enjoy this list and join us on this journey toward a more thriving and equitable West Michigan.
Decolonizing Wealth by Edgar Villanueva
Recommended by Danielle Guinsler
“The Seven Steps to Healing helped me to see a way to move forward in a system that is historically rooted in colonialism. Edger delves into the dynamics of power that exists in the philanthropic world, invoking Audre Lorde and Vu Le while examining his journey through the world of philanthropy as an indigenous person.”
What the Eyes Don’t See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City by Dr. Mona Hanna
Recommended by LaSandra Gaddy
“What the Eyes Don't See is a powerful reminder that as parents and community members, we all share a responsibility to protect and care for our children. Dr. Mona Hanna’s story speaks to the fierce love, courage, and advocacy it takes to stand up for families and ensure every baby has the chance to grow up healthy, safe, and seen here in Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan.”
Unmasking AI by Joy Buolawmini
Recommended by Ann Puckett
“The author is the founder of the Algorithmic Justice League and is featured in the documentary Coded Bias (also highly recommend). She weaves in personal experiences that showcase how AI can perpetuate racial and gender bias.”
A New Era of Philanthropy by Dimple Abichandani
Recommended by Jenine Torres
“This book is a guide for those who wish to see a more just future using the tools of reimagined philanthropy, especially in these uniquely challenging times we live in. Dimple is a philanthropic practitioner with her own experience as a nonprofit leader, foundation staff, and inspirational leader and a woman of color who seeks to alchemize change. She inspires us to see that philanthropy can be transformational, if we take practical steps towards transforming it to be more human, more equitable, and rooted in solidarity.”
Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner
Recommended by Jordan Humm
“A story of lifelong friendships that not-so-subtly demonstrates how everything about a person's lifespan is impacted by the presence or absence of generational wealth.”
Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds by adrienne maree brown
Recommended by Khara Leilani DeWit
“This book blends activism and personal reflection with tools and principles to offer a guide for collective transformation. I appreciate how she pulls wisdom from nature and science fiction (Octavia Butler!) and explores how fractal, intentional and adaptive actions can ripple outward to create liberative and just systemic change.”
Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
Recommended by Paul Sapp
“This book rewired how I view and think about leadership. Do I lead with armored leadership or dareful leadership? As prescribed by Brené, dareful leadership is a collection of four skill sets - Rumbling with Vulnerability; Living into our Values; Braving Trust; and Learning to Rise. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is curious and brave and wants to learn more about leadership. One quotation has since become a personal north star: 'Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.'”
Dead-End Memories by Banana Yoshimoto
Recommended by Sheona Joy Nidefski
“I’d recommend Dead-End Memories because it somehow feels cozy and heartbreaking at the same time. The stories are really human and emotionally honest, but not heavy in a draining way, more like sitting up at 2 a.m. thinking about life while eating really good soothing ramen soup. All the stories gently remind readers that people can survive heartbreak and still find connection, comfort, and beauty afterwards. Something we all need when the days are long and our thoughts are troubled.”
Let This Radicalize You by Kelly Hayes and Mariame Kaba
Recommended by Chantal Pasag
“This book offers a powerful, unflinching look at how our country’s systems fail people, and how those most impacted respond by centering community care. Often out of necessity, people-centered approaches are created and, in turn, help to reimagine resource building in a destabilized time, and shape a world grounded in love, storytelling, and restorative care.”
How We Show Up by Mia Birdsong
Recommended by Grace Swanson
“This book shaped my understanding about interconnectedness and how showing up to give or receive help is good for self and community. Mia excellently lends personal experience and expertise to illustrate why it’s so important to take your friends up on their offers to help, even though it's scary.”
A City Within A City: The Black Freedom Struggle in Grand Rapids, Michigan by Todd E. Robinson
Recommended by Ashley René Lee
“Context is everything in the work we do. This book is one I revisit often, as it provides critical historical context on the deep, generational impact of systemic racism in our community. We can’t move forward, without taking the time to look back.”