New Release
The World Where I Belong
If you've ever felt like you didn't belong in this world because of a norm you didn't fit into, this book is for you.
What do you do when people are moved with compassion and courage to share their stories after you've delivered your first TEDx talk? This is the question Niedre Heckman faced after she delivered a powerful keynote about the opportunity we all have to promote positivity in our uniqueness rather than spinning a negative narrative about those who seem not to fit the norm. As Niedre thought about the impact of those 9 minutes, she felt like there was so much more to say that really could help people. This led her to write a memoir.
Golden Leaves
Author Award 2025
Cal Poly Pomona Dean of College of Science with Niedre Heckman
About Niedre Heckman
From the earliest days of her childhood, Niedre Heckman always felt as though she was living between worlds. As a Black woman born with white skin, her journey has been one of perpetual discovery and introspection, a quest for identity that led to the creation of her memoir, The World Where I Belong: My Quest for Identity As a Black Woman in White Skin. Throughout her life, she has faced the duality of belonging everywhere and nowhere, a complex experience that shaped her views on culture, race, family, and community. Her story resonates with anyone who has struggled with the question of identity, and her writing seeks to build a bridge for others in search of their own sense of belonging.
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