“Meticulously researched, compassionate, and bold, this book should be read immediately and frequently returned to as a textual companion for the ongoing, reiterative work of antiracism.” - Library Journal, starred review
"Antiracism workshop leader and “secular spiritualist” Ricketts offers a primer on combating white supremacy in her accessible, urgent debut. She opens with an explanation of how pervasive racism is, how trauma can be inherited, and how oppression is internalized by marginalized people. Defining spirituality as “an ethereal concept... in direct opposition to the analytical, tangible, facts-based knowledge adored by white supremacy,” Ricketts argues spiritualism and social activism go hand-in-hand and notes that “to approach racial justice in a heart-centered and embodied way” requires an honest mindset that allows for righteous rage. Ricketts warns against adopting spiritual practices that focus on profit or rely on cultural appropriation, and prepares readers with a host of immediate actions they can do to combat racism, among them being attuned to microaggressions and considering impact rather than intention of one own’s actions. Rickett’s conversational tone and accessible activities will prove welcoming to anyone new to racial justice work." - Publishers Weekly
Do Better, like Rachel Ricketts, is a true gift to this earth. Rachel’s devotion, wisdom, and guidance towards collective liberation is truly powerful and unmatched. To know her work is to know integrity, growth and elevated consciousness. Do Better offers not just that, but a path forward where we can personally and collectively dismantle systems of oppression, and do so in a way that is rooted in divine love. Because of this book and Rachel's mentorship I truly can say that I push myself to do better.” - Maryam Ajayi, CEO and founder of Dive in Well
“This is the book we’ve been waiting for. Rachel provides us with a real, raw and relevant examination into the deep, spiritual and transformative work that we all need right now to heal from the dehumanizing structure of white supremacy. We know that white supremacy harms all of us and that the wounds go deep. Thus, we know that the work to heal from this must reach us far beyond the surface level. And that’s what Rachel is offering us here in this book - the deep, beyond the surface excavating, exploration and examination of the multiple places in which white supremacy harms us while offering us tools to fight against that harm and to heal. This is the book that will change lives, if you allow it. A must read and do!” - Monique Melton, anti-racism educator