Simran Jeet Singh

I live at the intersection of faith and justice. So does my podcast, ‘Spirited.’ ‍ Listen: https://t.co/ZykbydC7XW Contact: meghan@freshspeakers.com

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Book Recommendations:

SJ

Recommended by Simran Jeet Singh

This week, I’m reading How We Win, Farah Pandith’s fantastic new book on how we can unite to fight extremism around the world. https://t.co/w32KSDPaBe (from X)

“Drawing on her decades of experience, Pandith unweaves the tangled web of extremism and demonstrates how government officials, tech CEOs, and concerned citizens alike can do their part to defeat it.” – Former Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright There is a war being fought, and we are losing it. Despite the billions of dollars spent since 9/11 trying to defeat terrorist organizations, the so-called Islamic State, Al Qaeda, and other groups remain a terrifying geopolitical threat. In some ways the threat has grown worse: The 9/11 hijackers came from far away; the danger today can come from anywhere—from the other side of the world to across the street. Unable to stem recruitment, we seem doomed to a worsening struggle with a constantly evolving enemy that remains several steps ahead of us. Unfortunately, current policies seem almost guaranteed not to reduce extremist violence but instead to make it easier for terrorists to spread their hateful ideas, recruit new members, and carry out attacks. We actually possess the means right now to inoculate communities against extremist ideologies. In How We Win, Farah Pandith presents a revolutionary new analysis of global extremism as well as powerful but seldom-used strategies for vanquishing it. Drawing on her visits to eighty countries, the hundreds of interviews and focus groups she’s conducted around the world, and her high-level experience in the Bush and Obama administrations, Pandith argues for a paradigm shift in our approach to combat extremism, one that mobilizes the expertise and resources of diplomats, corporate leaders, mental health experts, social scientists, entrepreneurs, local communities, and, most of all, global youth themselves. There is a war being fought, and we can win it. This is how.

SJ

Recommended by Simran Jeet Singh

and if you don't have it already, #hairlove is a beautiful book written by @MatthewACherry, illustrated by @VashtiHarrison, and published by @KokilaBooks. my daughtes and i read it together often. i highly recommend it. https://t.co/DruXegSEzv (from X)

Hair Love book cover

Matthew A. Cherry, Vashti Harrison(you?)

A New York Times Bestseller and tie-in to Academy-Award Winning Short Film "Hair Love" "I love that Hair Love is highlighting the relationship between a Black father and daughter. Matthew leads the ranks of new creatives who are telling unique stories of the Black experience. We need this." - Jordan Peele, Actor & Filmmaker It's up to Daddy to give his daughter an extra-special hair style in this ode to self-confidence and the love between fathers and daughters, from Academy-Award winning director and former NFL wide receiver Matthew A. Cherry and New York Times bestselling illustrator Vashti Harrison. Zuri's hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it's beautiful. When Daddy steps in to style it for an extra special occasion, he has a lot to learn. But he LOVES his Zuri, and he'll do anything to make her -- and her hair -- happy. Tender and empowering, Hair Love is an ode to loving your natural hair -- and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere. A perfect gift for special occasions including Father’s Day, birthdays, baby showers, and more!

SJ

Recommended by Simran Jeet Singh

Love this list. Tagging @supriyakelkar_, the woman of color who wrote the beautiful book on this list, ‘The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh.’ https://t.co/NQMKlwAlBh (from X)

The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh book cover

Supriya Kelkar, Alea Marley, Simran Jeet Singh(you?)

Harpreet Singh has a different color for every mood and occasion, from happy sunny yellow to courageous red. He especially takes care with his patka—his turban—making sure it always matches his outfit. But when Harpreet’s mom finds a new job in a snowy city and they have to move, everything just feels gray. Can he find a way to make life bright again?

SJ

Recommended by Simran Jeet Singh

An inspiring story that opens up our hearts to ourselves and the people around us, and that shows the value of perseverance, determination, and self-confidence. (from Amazon)

The uplifting true story of Minda Dentler, the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the Ironman World Championship triathlon. Minda Dentler made history when she became the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the world's toughest triathlon, using only her arms to finish a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and 26.2 mile marathon. But the journey there wasn't easy. Minda was paralyzed as an infant in India after contracting polio, and was left in the care of an orphanage. After she was adopted by an American family and moved to Washington, she underwent surgeries to enable her to walk with leg braces and crutches. As she grew, she faced many challenges, but remained undeterred by her disability. Her decision to begin training and competing in triathlons was no different. Despite the obstacles and failures she experienced along the way, Minda's persistence and determination in the face of setbacks helped her to make sports history and inspire people around the world to rethink what's possible!