The Way of Befriending: A Response to the Book by Parfait Bassalé

How can we reach out to others who are different and unfamiliar, to put them at ease and gain new friends? My friend Parfait knows what it feels like to be the outsider, as an immigrant from West Africa who came to the U.S. to go to college.  In the decades since, he’s become an expert and leading voice in peacemaking, fostering belonging, and creating social and business structures that bring people together.  In his new book “The Way of Befriending,” Parfait tells the story of how he found his way, how he finds joy and healing in music, and how he has witnessed many others become unlikely friends. The book also presents many practical models for us to use in social and business settings.  Here in my response, I talk a bit about his and my friendship and how Parfait’s ideas resonate with mine.  To learn more about Parfait and order his book, visit parfaitbassale.com.