SP2 announces Ben Jealous memoir “Never Forget Our People Were Always Free” as One Book, One SP2 selection

The Committee on Race and Social Justice at Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) has announced the selection of “Never Forget Our People Were Always Free: A Parable of American Healing” as the 2024 – 2025 One Book, One SP2 choice.

A memoir by Ben Jealous, a professor of practice at SP2, Annenberg School for Communication, Penn Carey Law, and the Department of Africana Studies, the book examines Jealous’ long career as a civil rights activist and organizer and his experience growing up the son of a white father and a Black mother. Jealous discusses the lessons he drew from his mother, Ann Todd Jealous, and his grandmother, SP2 alumna Mamie Todd, about the racism they experienced in their lifetimes. Using several parables, he offers us hope for healing our deepest wounds and overcoming divisions.

The One Book, One SP2 project is a school-wide collective reading initiative now in its sixth year. The One Book is selected by SP2’s Committee on Race and Social Justice following a survey of alumni, students, faculty, and staff at the School. The initiative aims to build and strengthen connections within the SP2 community through opportunities for dialogue, including small-group discussions for SP2 alumni, staff, and students that will be held ahead of New Student Orientation and after Convocation. This year, Penn Development & Alumni Relations staff were also invited to participate in the small-group discussions. 

“I look forward to engaging in discussions about ‘Never Forget Our People Were Always Free’ with the SP2 community this coming year and exploring what we can learn from the book and from our various perspectives,” says Associate Dean for Inclusion Dr. Jerri Bourjolly, who leads the Committee on Race and Social Justice.