You know I’m always excited to share new books with friends, family, colleagues, and those who read my weekly column. I get even more excited when the author is someone I know, adore, and respect. My friend and colleague, Maya Wiley, has just penned a powerful memoir, “Remember, You Are a Wiley: A Memoir” (Hachette Book Group), that is not only a reflection of her social justice journey, but an important call to action for all of us in this political moment.
Some of you may remember Wiley from her 2021 mayoral run. I always admire people who run for public office. That level of commitment to public service is not a decision that is made lightly. Reading Wiley’s memoir will make it all the more evident why this lawyer, activist, and political analyst decided to make the leap into electoral politics. Although Wiley was not successful in attaining the top job in New York City, the path that is meant for us will be made clear in due time, as our elders often reminded us.
Since 2021, Wiley has been leading the Leadership Conference on Human and Civil Rights as president and CEO, and continues to work closely with social justice organizations across the country to help keep issues pertaining to civil rights and civil liberties at the forefront of political discussions and decision-making.
While reading “Remember, You Are a Wiley,” I couldn’t help but think about how our differing family histories somehow intertwine with a greater American story. So many families worked to increase equality and dignity in their communities in large and small ways. So many of our parents and grandparents built coalitions with others to make this country a better place. Not everyone’s elders led social justice organizations or fought injustice in a courtroom, but this memoir reminds all of us of the work and dedication that has gone into making the country a better place. It is also a reminder of the work that we must continue to do … to honor the legacy of our loved ones.
In this political moment, it is imperative that we better understand our past collective struggles so we may be better-educated and more-participatory citizens. This memoir will help remind us of what has been, as well as what we need to do to create the society we want to see.
And as always, it is important for us to support, promote, and buy books by Black authors.
Wiley will be on a book tour discussing her memoir, and I am so glad the two of us will be in conversation on September 24 at 6 p.m. at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (New York Public Library, 515 Malcolm X Boulevard, New York City).
Christina Greer, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Fordham University; author of “Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream”; and co-host of the podcast FAQ-NYC.
