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This story originally appeared in the Jackson Free Press. It was added to the Mississippi Free Press website in 2025.
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Ken Stiggers

Boneqweesha Jones: “Welcome to Boneqweesha Jones’ Journal. My guest is Judy McBride, psychologist and author of a new book titled ‘Coexisting in a Society of Race and Class,’ with illustrations by Brother Sylvester, missing toe artist.

“It took you five years to write and publish your book. It’s ironic that you published the book two weeks after the police arrested the college professor in Massachusetts. What inspired you to deal with the issues of race and class?”

Judy McBride: “Living life, listening to people, witnessing events, thinking, empathizing, assessing matters and critically thinking. What I’ve recognized is that during this time of change two streams of different realities are forced to deal with each other. Hypocrisy, denial and fear have reached a dangerous level of toxicity. I hope that ‘Coexisting in a Society of Race and Class’ serves as a metaphoric disinfectant that may possibly heal the wounds of this nation.”

Boneqweesha Jones: “Oh, yes! We’ve certainly dealt with a lot of bumps and bruises over the years. This book seems like a deep piece of literature. Will your book touch the consciousness of the people?”

Judy McBride: “I hope so. Individuals, groups and organizations stuck in the past must realize that times change, and people change. The people who were considered a caste group are now sophisticated, intelligent, and empowered, and they will not tolerate any more foolishness.”

Boneqweesha Jones: “Did Lynne Cheney write a poignant Standard English introduction for your book?”

Judy McBride: “Lynne who?”

Boneqweesha Jones: “Enough said.”