Breathing Out

Ruminations of a Millennial Black Woman

In this raw and groundbreaking anti-racism declaration, Whitney Parnell weaves in narratives from her years of activism, running a Black-led organization, experiences with training in allyship, and daily encounters in the world as a Black woman. Breathing Out illuminates with precision the current landscape of racism in the United States, and presents theories for actively pursuing equity and justice. With topics including systemic racism, whiteness, Black womanhood—and, ultimately, hope—Parnell shares her perspective with an honesty that is simultaneously challenging and engaging for readers of all backgrounds.

With its direct, thoughtful, vulnerable, and even humorous prose, readers may find a helpful resource for their own anti-racism work, deep gratitude for the proximity that Parnell provides through her very human accounts, and even affirmation of their own thoughts and emotions.

It is time to center Black women’s voices in their uniqueness and their collective power, as witnessed through the rising prominence of their works—and attacks on their leadership in recent years. In a society that constantly forces Black women to tirelessly endure harm and trauma with no relief or voice, this book is Parnell’s exhalation, and a symbolic act of empowerment for all Black women to do the same.

$23.95
ISBN: 979-8-89138-211-4
SKU: 18-1274-01
Categories:History, Politics and Current Affairs

“I met Whitney Parnell when she was doing training for Sojourners, and we have been talking ever since. This young leader embodies the struggle of Black millennial women. This is her story, and it is one that we must truly hear and understand for the future of this country, which strong Black women like Whitney will help to lead.”

JIM WALLIS, founder of Sojourners magazine, and author of America’s Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America and The False White Gospel: Rejecting Christian Nationalism, Restoring True Faith, and Refounding Democracy

“In clear, accessible, and deeply moving prose, Whitney Parnell lays out the daily toll of navigating whiteness. Through recognizable examples of interpersonal and workplace dynamics, she illuminates its machinations. In so doing, she offers her readers a view into the inevitable role each of us plays—in either protecting or interrupting—systemic racism. For white readers, consider this your handbook for aligning professed anti-racist commitments with actual anti-racist practice.”

ROBIN DIANGELO, bestselling author of White Fragility

“I’m grateful to call Whitney Parnell a friend, a consummate ally, and a tireless champion for racial justice. In this time filled with racial backlash and retrenchment, Breathing Out provides a provocative road map and call to action to embrace and advance anti-racism and equity as both a moral and civic imperative.”

ADAM RUSSELL TAYLOR, president of Sojourners magazine and author of A More Perfect Union: A New Vision for Building the Beloved Community

“More Black women are coming out of hiding to share their truths about how racism is making them sick. Whitney Parnell is one of them. In Breathing Out: Ruminations of a Millennial Black Woman, she takes us across the globe as a Foreign Service kid, where she experienced the harshest forms of racism. In the United States, she takes us into nonprofit organizations where she cut her teeth to develop and lead professionally. In each setting, she reveals heartbreaking stories of navigating whiteness, the costs of doing so, and the scars that remain. This book is for allies who need to know, and BIPOC women who already do. This book is for everyone with a mission to end racism.”

YANIQUE REDWOOD, author of White Women Cry and Call Me Angry: A Black Woman’s Memoir on Racism in Philanthropy

Whitney Parnell

Black millennial activist, singer, and nonprofit leader

Whitney Parnell is a Black millennial activist, singer, and nonprofit leader. An alumna of Washington University in St. Louis, she founded Service Never Sleeps in 2015, a Black-led racial justice nonprofit.

Parnell is also a musician, and released a social justice album in 2022 called What Will You Do?

Parnell was the lead researcher and author for Service Never Sleeps’ 2024 report, What Does It Mean to Be Black-Led?: An Extensive Guide on Liberatory Organizational Management, Black Leaders’ Experiences, and Their Needs from Supporters to Thrive. This is her first book.

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