Let's Start A Conversation: Sweet or Potato or Pumpkin Pie

Let's Start A Conversation: Sweet or Potato or Pumpkin Pie

In celebration of the second anniversary of Sweet Potato or Pumpkin Pie. I am hosting a bi-weekly book review and discussion.

By Dr. William T. Lewis

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Monday, May 20 · 8 - 9am PDT

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Online

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About this event

Let’s Start A Conversation: Sweet Potato or Pumpkin Pie….


In celebration of the second anniversary of Sweet Potato or Pumpkin Pie: Conversations with My White Friends about Race, I am hosting a bi-weekly deep dive book review conversation about the lessons I have learned from writing Sweet Potato. Among them are three things that are undeniably true about racism in America:

  • The current political rhetoric is fake news. Racism has been and continues to be a part of the American fabric.
  • Racism is a cancer that destroys White Americans just as much as it destroys Black Americans.
  • We NEED to TALK with each other about racism before the crisis. So that we can HEAR each other's heart during the crisis. Then, we can help HEAL each other after the crisis.

Unfortunately, another racial crisis is on the horizon. If you wait and start building your capacity to address racism in the midst of the crisis, you will be too late. Don’t get ready when it happens. BE READY when it happens! Join me in the conversation!

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Dr. William T. Lewis, Sr. has given us a rare gift in Sweet Potato or Pumpkin Pie. It’s a personal, insightful, empathetic look at race and allyship from both Black and White perspectives. A gifted storyteller, Dr. Lewis invites us on a walk down memory lane where he gently weaves together his experiences growing up and adulting Black with historical snapshots of structural racism's stronghold in America. His interviews with White friends and colleagues who open up about their own racial awakening make this the perfect springboard to your own brave conversations about race.

Laura Zielke, Director of Online Learning & Innovation, Nonprofit Leadership Lab

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Through trusted conversations, Dr. Lewis uncovers the truth to reveal the always ugly, often stealthy reality of racism so we can examine and change. MORE conversations are needed, and I hope this is the first of many books.

Claire Tuttle

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Key Conversation Points

  • Learn how socializing as youth influences your worldview regarding race in America.
  • Explore action ideas you can implement immediately to address racism in your daily life (home, work, community)
  • Learn tips on how to become an Ally.
  • Learn why racist ideology is more powerful and longlisting than laws and policies.
  • Learn why understanding US history is the key to understanding the current attacks to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
  • You we are not responsible for the sins of the previous generations, but you do have an obligation to make this world equitable for current and future generations.

Conversation Details

Dates and Times


Location: Zoom


Cost: $50 per session


Book price: $25.00


Order Book(s)

  • Bookmarks
  • Amazon




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Organized by

Dr. William T. Lewis

Dr. William T. Lewis, Sr., nationally recognized diversity, and inclusion thought leader, and entrepreneur is an advisor and consultant to university presidents, and small to midsize business leaders. As founder and president of WillHouse Global, Lewis leads a team of organizational development experts who help companies win! WillHouse Global was recognized as Top Diversity and Inclusion Company for 2022 by Manage HR.

Lewis is a co-author of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE) Standards of Professional Practice (2014). He is author of, Sweet Potato or Pumpkin Pie: Conversations with My White Friends about Race (SPARK Publications 2022).

As a former Chief Diversity Officer, Lewis has led diversity and inclusion efforts at three highly acclaimed colleges and universities-- Indiana University, Bridgewater State University and Virginia Tech University. Lewis formerly served as the Special Consultant to the President for Belonging, Equity and Inclusion at Forsyth Technical Community College. Lewis served as a co-founder of CoopLew (2016-2021).

Lewis serves the community of Winston Salem, as an advisory board member of the Black Philanthropy Initiative (BPI), an initiative of the Winston Salem Foundation. He is a member of the board of directors of the United Way of Forsyth County, and he is a Trustee for Leadership Winston Salem. Lewis is a 2022 honoree for the Triad Business Leaders in Diversity.

Lewis also serves his thirteen-year-old son's business, CAMS Coffee Co, shop.camscoffeeco.com, as the Chief Executive Gopher (CEG). CAMS was created to provide supportive employment for individuals with disabilities.

Lewis earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. He holds a master’s degree in social work (MSW). He has dedicated his entire professional life to living the spirit of his social work background by "providing a voice for the voiceless and creating inclusive spaces for each person to reach their full potential.”

Lewis proudly served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves (1990-1996).

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