Lettie Ar-Rahmaan, the author of the book “Struggling To Be Me: No Longer Silent & Invisible At The Table” was interviewed by Benji Cole from CBS Radio. The catalyst for Ar-Rahmaan’s book was her experience with breast cancer, which became a moment of awakening. For years, she had walked a line imposed by society, religion, and even family—one that demanded assimilation without disruption. That health crisis prompted her to reclaim her voice and tell her truth. Inspired by her own lived experiences and the unspoken stories of countless women like her, she wrote Struggling to Be Me as both testimony and call to action. She views her work as a bridge—connecting generations, encouraging authenticity, and reminding women they are not alone.
People of Distinction is one of the most wide-ranging radio shows in the United States, hosted by Benji Cole and Al Cole from CBS Radio. People of Distinction is the right fit for authors and readers to discover newly published books, mostly written by passionate and independent authors.
Lettie Ar-Rahmaan is a newly retired professional with a long career in the technology industry and in ministry. A proud Black woman from a large family, Ar-Rahmaan has lived at the intersection of race, gender, and faith for over two decades. Now retired, she focuses on empowering women through writing, workshops, and public speaking, helping them build strategic plans for personal and professional growth.
“Struggling to Be Me: No Longer Silent and Invisible at the Table” by Lettie Ar-Rahmaan is a powerful personal memoir that speaks to the experiences of Black women navigating systems not built for them. It’s more than just a story of survival—it’s a declaration of identity, resilience, and refusal to assimilate for acceptance. Through deeply personal anecdotes and reflections, Ar-Rahmaan invites readers into her life as a Black woman who excelled in STEM and ministry while confronting systemic barriers and cultural expectations that demanded her silence and invisibility.
The memoir centers around Ar-Rahmaan’s realization, particularly during her battle with breast cancer, that she had spent her life conforming to the expectations of others—being told how to act, what to say, and when to be silent. Her story takes us through a transformative journey where she decides to stop asking for a seat at the table and instead bring her own chair—or build a whole new table altogether. The book explores themes of shame, resilience, identity, and resistance, shedding light on what it means to live authentically in a world that often prefers conformity over courage.
Her voice is both vulnerable and commanding, striking a balance that encourages empathy while demanding reflection. As diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts face new challenges in public discourse, “Struggling to Be Me” serves as a timely reminder of why these efforts matter. It is an inspiring call for women to own their power, write their stories, and break the cycle of invisibility. Whether you are navigating your career, confronting personal challenges, or seeking to understand the layered experiences of marginalized voices, this book will resonate deeply.
To delve deeper into Lettie’s inspiration behind her book and its content, you can watch the full interview below: