“Choudhury provides an open, honest, and plainspoken view of diversity issues. He does not sugarcoat the concepts, and his examples are real. Writing in an engaging, conversational tone, Choudhury discusses national and international issues of diversity, backing his observations with scientific evidence and personal experience. The result is a moving, powerful look at how to address issues of both ‘head’ and ‘heart’ in engaging in diversity conversations that promise real and lasting change. Choudhury frames his discussion in what he calls ‘the four pillars of deep diversity,’ a foundation for diversity work that will transcend any disciplinary or professional boundaries. Choudhury does not address just the reality of the ‘us versus them’ mentality responsible for most cases of racism; he provides a simple step-by-step guide for how to counter these feelings. Reminiscent of Milton Bennett’s work on the development of intercultural sensitivity, embodied in what is known as the Bennett scale, Choudhury’s approach provides a method by which both sides of any disagreement can be empowered to join the conversation and actually ‘want’ change. A valuable resource for those interacting in diverse academic, professional, or personal settings.”
~ R. E. Osborne, Texas State University, review in CHOICE Connect, a publication of the Association of College and Research Libraries, A division of the American Library Association, August 2016 Vol. 53 No. 12
“Shakil Choudhury presents a uniquely accessible combination of personal observations and scientific evidence to make a convincing case for Deep Diversity. His words are honest and disarming and the book’s framework is both original and needed. This book will make you think hard and think better about what’s good for you, your organization and society at large.”
~ Mahzarin R. Banaji, Co-founder of Project Implicit, Harvard University (Cambridge, MA), Richard Clarke Cabot Professor of Social Ethics, Department of Psychology, Co-author of Blindspot: Hidden Biases in Good People (2013)
“This exploration of ‘us’ and ‘them’ is gripping, fast-paced, and immediately practical for businesses, schools, and everyday life. Drawing on heart-touching stories, research on the brain, and hard-won lessons from real-world interventions to offer useful approaches, Shakil Choudhury helps us know ourselves better by knowing others better – for our own sake, and for the sake of our fragile shared world.”
~ Rick Hanson, Ph.D. (San Rafael, CA), Author of Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom
“Shakil Choudhury’s Deep Diversity is a highly significant contribution to the struggle against racism in our society. Deep Diversity is a groundbreaking book taking a giant step towards overcoming pervasive racism in our society. Combining in-depth research and analysis with moving personal stories, Choudhury gives us a simple step-by-step approach to overcome centuries of racial hierarchy by understanding each of us is part of the problem and part of the solution.”
~ Judy Rebick, Writer, journalist, activist (Toronto, ON), Author of Occupy This! (2012), Ten Thousand Roses: The Making of a Feminist Revolution (2005)
“During these challenging times, this Deep Diversity is an essential tool for people seeking to learn more about improving inter-group relationships as well as for experienced diversity consultants. The book is accessible and useful, linking neuroscience research, diversity work and practices to improve inter-group relations in a North American context.”
~ Parker Johnson, Advisor, Equal Employment Opportunity Program, City of Vancouver (Vancouver, BC)
“Shakil Choudhury has written a breakthrough book about how to achieve the kind of racial equity that goes far beyond traditional notions of ‘diversity.’ In his deep dive, he grapples with the implications of several decades of neuroscience, reflecting on the role of emotion in racial matters, while still grounded in systems, rules, and power. Everyone working on race issues should read this book. Even when you don’t agree, you will be provoked to think harder about the enormity of our challenge, and how to generate the emotional, as well as intellectual, fortitude to meet that challenge.”
~ Rinku Sen, Executive Director, Race Forward and Publisher, Colorlines (New York, NY)
“Shakil Choudhury offers a genuinely new and fresh understanding of how we ‘see’ and so often ‘do not see’ each other. He offers practical tools for insight and learning in transforming from an ‘Us versus Them’ mentality, to a mindset that honours and grows our deep diversity…Meticulously researched and beautifully written in an inviting narrative style, this is a ‘must read’ for anyone concerned with race, difference and diversity.”
~ James Orbinski, Head of Mission for Doctors without Borders during Rwandan genocide and Award-winning author of An Imperfect Offering: Humanitarian Action in the Twenty-first Century (2009)
“Deep Diversity offers an important analysis to help us achieve the genuine reconciliation that we must achieve between Canadians and Indigenous peoples in order to move forward.”
~Arthur Manuel, Neskonlith, Secwepemc Nation, co-author of Unsettling Canada: A National Wake-up Call
“We’ve been caught in an anti-oppression Ground Hog Day where we keep repeating Racism, Oppression and Privilege 101. In Deep Diversity, Shakil Choudhury helps us peel back the layers of systemic discrimination to have to a more nuanced discussion and rethink strategies to eliminate racism. Rather than merely using the lens of sociology to look at racism, Choudhury suggests including psychology and neuroscience to truly understand why we think and do what we do. I really enjoyed the book. It was eye-opening, informative and offered hope by way of upgrades to current approaches to anti-oppression.”
~ Septembre Anderson, Journalist, public intellectual & cultural analyst (Toronto, ON)
“While reading this wonderful book, I felt alternately humble, deeply moved, admiring, grateful, impatient and profoundly hopeful – sometimes all of them together. There is a sweep to this book that Shakil maintains even while he patiently breaks down the elements of racism so that we are not just staring frozen at the pervasiveness and killing impact of it. He uses his own pain, curiosity and learning as the golden thread that weaves the reader through the stories and research in each chapter. Starting from the preface through to the wonderful stories of healing that tie this book together, Shakil’s willingness to hold his mistakes up for scrutiny and insight invited me to do the same. He matter-of-factly insists that each of us, no matter what body we’re in, has a responsibility to heal the racism in ourselves and in the world around us. It’s infectious because the book doesn’t stop there. Written into every chapter are specific skills we can practice as citizens of the world wanting to live in connection with our neighbours. Deep Diversity is a brilliant fusion of standing in an analysis of how racism works while holding the light on each individual’s potential to understand this and to change it. I thought I had a practice of doing this, but I’ve learned so much from this book about how to do it more consistently and compassionately over the long-haul.”
~ Barb Thomas, Social justice facilitator, writer and activist (Toronto, ON), Co-author with Tina Lopez of the award-winning book, Dancing on Live Embers: Challenging Racism in Organizations (2006)
“As a pastor in one of the most diverse cities in the world, I am deeply committed to learning how to better love those around me. Deep Diversity is a valuable secular resource for those of us in the faith-based community as we strive to love and relate to those around us.”
~Darnell Wilson, Equipping Pastor at Discovery Pointe Church (Toronto, ON). (Portland, OR)
“Deep Diversity is a valuable read for leaders looking to better understand how to successfully lead today’s increasingly diverse workplace environments. By combining research findings with his own personal experiences and insights, Shakil Choudhury helps us to understand what’s behind our inherent biases and beliefs about those different from us, and what we can do to overcome them in order to create a more inclusive workplace environment and worldview.”
~ Tanveer Naseer, MSc. (Montreal, Canada), Award-winning leadership writer, Inc. 100 Leadership Speaker, author “Leadership Vertigo”
“As the Associate Director of Canada’s second-largest public school board, it has been my pleasure to work closely with Shakil Choudhury and to encourage the introduction of the principles outlined in Deep Diversity, which have proven effective in our workplace and classroom equity efforts. This book uses a variety of illustrative examples, often personal and ‘raw’ in nature. Choudhury uses the support of a wide body of research, both Canadian and international, to present a position that contends that education alone, without tapping into our human emotions, cannot move the equity agenda forward rapidly enough to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse society…I commend his work and recommend the book as an essential resource for equity and inclusion educators everywhere.”
~ Scott Moreash, Associate Director Peel District School Board, (Mississauga, ON)
“Deep Diversity provides a thoughtful, well-researched roadmap for every person who finds him or herself wanting to pursue social justice. Through thoughtful and vulnerable storytelling, Choudhury helps readers understand that sustainable engagement in social justice requires a high level of emotional intelligence and self-awareness. He offers readers specific tools, strategies and concepts to support growth and effectiveness in the pursuit of the challenging and rewarding work of social justice and deep diversity.”
~ Colleen Butler, Racial Justice Director: YWCA Madison (Madison, WI)
“Shakil Choudhury’s book, Deep Diversity, offers a unique perspective into why we behave in ways that are thoughtful and inclusive, and why we do not. He cleverly presents the age-old debate between personal power and institutional… In so doing he compels the reader to own her own biases while placing them squarely within the broader and essential role of institutional accountability for systemic change. Well crafted, easy to read, this book makes complex issues and emotions easier to understand…Choudhury’s book left me with the profound realization that I have a personal responsibility to reflect upon, and to learn from, how I exercise choices when faced with difficult or unfamiliar situations involving people I do not know well. Whether you are a lawyer, police officer, artist or community activist, this book will provoke you to think about your own behaviour in ways that can help break down barriers.”
~ Marie Moliner, Regional Director General, Department of Canadian Heritage (Toronto, ON), Member of Toronto Police Services Board
“The power and important contribution of Deep Diversity by Shakil Choudhury comes from the compelling way in which it so clearly demonstrates that in order to achieve racial equity, we have to change ourselves, as well as the institutions of our society. Both compassionate and tough-minded, the author illuminates the need, the challenges and the opportunities for individual and collective healing while simultaneously and unflinchingly addressing issues of power, colonization, and structural oppression. Shakil demonstrates a wonderful capacity to draw upon the most current and fascinating research on things like implicit bias, emotional intelligence, and neuroscience, while at the time sharing intimate details of his own learning as a person of color and bringing his ideas to life through compelling story-telling. I highly recommend this book!”
~ Robert Gass, EdD, Co-founder, Rockwood Leadership Institute, Co-founder, Social Transformation Project
“I sincerely wish this book had been written 10 years ago. I saw myself in many of the experiences and struggles described, as I’m sure many of my equity colleagues will. I was in tears twice reading this – it really got to the core of why this work is so difficult, and why it’s so rewarding…Deep Diversity emphasizes the importance of relationships and compassion, principles I have always maintained are keys to equity work…I found this book not only helpful but hopeful. Miigwetch for sharing this.”
~ Donna Gerber, Aboriginal Liaison & Recruitment Manager, Niagara College
“Deep Diversity is a cleverly drafted manuscript that engages the reader in expanding their understanding of the root causes and impacts of racism and discrimination, and what we can do as an individual to move towards a more equitable and inclusive society for all. This book is a must-read for anyone who longs to better understand the systemic and attitudinal barriers that get in the way of social inclusion and equity, and provides readers with thoughtful and practical considerations to create change in oneself and others.”
~ Anne-Marie Pham, Diversity educator for workplaces and communities across Canada (Calgary, AB),
Former national coordinator of Canada’s Racism-Free Workplace Strategy for Human Resources & Skills Development, and former Diversity & Inclusion Advisor to the City of Calgary
“Shakil Choudhury’s book is a tremendous help to anyone wanting to understand systemic discrimination and bias. In simple, clear, and readable prose, he unpacks the social neuroscience behind racial bias and the dynamics of Us/Them. Deep Diversity is a warmly intelligent book, and a treasure-trove of insightful stories, research, and guidance for those interested in tackling the problems of a diverse and changing society. Above all, Deep Diversity offers hope. By showing how we’re all hardwired to bias, and through sharing his insight and experience as an educator and consultant, Choudhury brings compassion and wisdom to a troubling topic, and gives the reader simple, yet profound and effective tools for changing ourselves, and, ultimately, changing our world.”
~ Dr. Julie Diamond, PhD, Psychologist and Co-founder of the Process Work Institute
“Backed by solid research, interspersed with personal experience and anecdotes, and filled with practices and tips on confronting racism, bias and oppression…Choudhury manages to humanize what many of us are scared to confront, and he provides a framework and pathway to move from fear to transformation. Using the latest research, Shakil traces how bias is innate and formed in our psyche, but through awareness, practice and personal development we can re-wire our brains and create new experiences and relationships based on equity, tolerance and respect. Deep Diversity is a crucial book for anyone who wants to know how to create a more tolerant, just and healthy world.”
~ Stephen Law, Social Transformation Program Coordinator, Tatamagouche Centre
Deep Diversity is demystifying, moving and resourceful for the seasoned social justice educator as well as for any person interested in moving beyond a tolerance based approach towards racial justice. It is a transformational experience for the reader for how it coherently presents scientific evidence, a systems thinking analysis of structural racism as well as mindfulness and self care as much needed and interconnected foundations for authentic personal and social change from within. Shakil Choudhury role models the strength that comes from offering one’s own story as a powerful vehicle to talk-the-walk of racial justice with sound evidence. The book is even more generous by providing key elements of the method the author has been responsively adapting to multiple contexts across the world. I wholeheartedly recommend this as a close reference book while doing the work as well as a compassionate reminder of the beauty of sharing our flawed stories as means to co-liberate the fullest potential of our shared humanity.”
~ Geraldine Paredes Vasquez, Intercultural and Social Justice Experiential Educator,
Co- Founder of WHY Bolivia (La Paz, Bolivia),
Co-Chair International Affiliation Group, Latin America – Association for Experiential Education<
“Deep Diversity is an important contribution to deepening our understanding and to resolving social issues!”
~Arnold Mindell, author of The Deep Democracy of Open Forums and Sitting in the Fire: Large Group Transformation through Diversity and Conflict (Portland, OR)
“Deep Diversity provides a welcome shift away from simplistic notions of ‘embracing diversity’, and into a realm that promises to actually transform our capacity to build relationship and understanding across difference. In this highly accessible read, Choudhury offers cutting edge insight, from research and experience, into the powerful subconscious dynamics that underlie our struggles to engage with diversity. His analysis helps us to see how the transformative power of curiosity and empathy might be nurtured where dynamics of judgment and polarization have tended to dominate, all laid out in a practical and effective roadmap for how to get there.”
~ Sheelagh Davis, Leadership & Organizational Development Consultant (Vancouver, BC), Former Education Coordinator, British Columbia Nurses’ Union
“Working in sports, issues of race and cultural biases often come into play when determining how to approach some of the issues that shape the socio-political aspects of the industry. Choudhury’s text offers straightforward tools that can help everyone assess their own innate reactions in any situation. More than that, it’s a great read–the book derives its heart from its author, who writes scientifically but very personally, confronting his own discriminatory reactions as unflinchingly as he asks us to do, and effortlessly straddles the line between insightful analysis and compelling narrative.”
~ Jordan Heath-Rawlings, Deputy Editor, Sportsnet Magazine, (Toronto, ON)
“Deep Diversity is accessible and approachable primarily because it is written in a deeply personal style. Shakil Choudhury has a very friendly and approachable way of placing himself and his story into the science which enhances the book’s credibility. This text is unique because it emphasizes emotional intelligence as a tool to supporting equity and inclusion. The book also includes a very insightful and nuanced discussion of dominant and non-dominant groups which links identity with the central issue of belonging. Choudhury concludes with a warm, open invitation for engagement and self-reflection – for it is only through full recognition of self and active inclusion of others that we can facilitate successful societal interaction.”
~ Jewel Amoah, Manager, Workplace Equity, Peel District School Board, HJA Brown Education Centre
“This is hands-down the most useful, accessible book I have read on strategies for achieving deep, enduring racial equity at the personal, organizational and community level. Choudhury artfully combines cutting edge neuroscience with political theory, analysis and dozens of compelling stories. And he pulls it all together in a simple, compelling 4-part framework for working with our own hearts, bodies, spirits and minds in order to unleash our full individual and collective power as human beings. Whether you work in the business, non-profit or public sector, this book is incredibly readable, informative and practical. Deep Diversity should be required reading for every 21st Century leader.”
~ Suzanne Hawkes, Convergence Strategies
“Shakil Choudhury has written an important and powerful book that shines a light on the dark side of human nature. It is a compelling read. It is brimming with science, stories, people and the author’s courageous insights.”
~ Douglas Reeve, Director, Institute for Leadership Education in Engineering, Professor, Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry
University of Toronto (Toronto, ON)
“Shakil uses the power of his own narrative to make the space for readers to engage in a meaningful process of reflective learning and unlearning that will inspire you to lead with empathy and create a culture that better supports the success, achievement and well-being of all. Using gentle but carefully researched and constructed questioning and case studies, leadership practice will be impacted in ways that will strengthen an organization’s capacity to be equitable and inclusive.”
~Luciana Cardarelli, Program and Member Services Coordinator, Catholic Principals’ Council (Toronto, ON)
“Shakil Choudhury has provided the reader with a solid foundation for understanding the long-lasting struggle to achieve equity in our society. Referencing both scientific research, as well as his own narrative, Choudhury helps the reader to understand how all of us can work to overcome the barriers to equity. As an educator, I look forward to using the strategies in this book personally, and with my colleagues, in my work in achieving a more equitable education system for our young people.”
~ Carol Speers, Superintendent of Education, Peel District School Board (Mississauga, ON)
“It was a pleasure to read Deep Diversity! Shakil’s book is thoughtful, insightful and informative. It does a beautiful job of weaving critical frameworks, theories, neuroscience, and mindfulness together to teach readers about inclusion. As a fellow diversity and inclusion professional, this is the first book I’ve read that does this – it’s a great resource for corporate training programmes. I’m excited to recommend Deep Diversity to those who attend my workshops.”
~ Ritu Bhasin (LL.B. MBA), People Strategist & Diversity Specialist
Bhasin Consulting Inc. (Toronto, ON)
“Shakil Choudhury has given me faith that we can really embrace the potential that diversity offers us. Deep Diversity demonstrates social innovation in action in that it tackles tough issues while bringing authenticity and honestly as well as pure, positive human insight. This book has transformed the way that I think about race and diversity.”
~ Tonya Surman, CEO, Centre for Social Innovation (Toronto, ON)
“It is so important for humans to recognize that the evolution of the human brain has handed us some very tricky motives and emotions regarding members perceived as from outside our group/tribe. Without care and awareness, we may become willing actors of these dramas, ready to ignore, reject, cheat, exploit and persecute those deemed ‘not like us.’ In fact, how to deal with our tribal mind and create cultures of social respect, justice, sharing and caring, is one of the most important challenges facing humanity today. It is not our fault that our brains are the way they are but it is our responsibility to find solutions to the dark side of humanity.
In this inspiring book, Shakil Choudhury reveals these issues clearly and sets out to address them. The author guides us skillfully through the clear and obscured, conscious and non-conscious, manifestations of our tribal minds. With detailed exploration into the practices of mindfulness (observing the operations, the pulls and pushes, of our evolved minds) and the importance of the cultivation of compassion motive that offsets tribalism, he reveals a clear path of how to address the more primitive in us. Scholarly, inspiring and full of hope this is book full of wisdom of how to create a better world.”
~ Paul Gilbert (PhD, FBPsS, OBE), University of Derby, United Kingdom, Author of The Compassionate Mind.