Author Cleveland G. Oakes Jr. Empowers Readers with ‘Waiting for White Jesus: Reclaiming Agency in a World That Tells You to Wait’

Cleveland G. Oakes Jr.’s “Waiting for White Jesus: Reclaiming Agency in a World That Tells You to Wait” is a transformative exploration of self-liberation, inner strength, and the power of taking radical responsibility for one’s own healing and growth. The book is a dynamic fusion of memoir, self-help, and social commentary, offering readers a much-needed guide on how to break free from societal expectations and live a life full of intentional purpose. Oakes draws on his personal experiences growing up in Brooklyn during the 1980s crack epidemic and his years of professional transformation to challenge the myths of passivity imposed by religion, culture, and the systems around us.

A Personal Journey into Resilience and Self-Liberation

At its core, “Waiting for White Jesus” is a call to stop waiting for an external savior—whether that be a person, a system, or a deity—and to instead turn inward, recognizing that the most powerful agent of change lies within. Cleveland G. Oakes Jr. reveals his own struggles with self-worth, identity, and resilience, offering candid insights into how his lived experiences have shaped his approach to mental health and healing. Growing up Black in Brooklyn, Oakes faced the hardships of a community ravaged by addiction, poverty, and systemic oppression. Yet through these struggles, he came to understand a powerful truth: personal transformation begins when we take ownership of our lives, not when we wait for someone else to rescue us.

The book’s unique approach blends psychological theory with vivid, personal narratives. Drawing from the works of influential thinkers like Gabor Maté and Albert Ellis, Oakes explores how trauma, cultural norms, and inherited patterns of thinking can keep us locked in cycles of dependency and passivity. With honesty and vulnerability, he shows readers how they can break free from these cycles and reclaim their agency by taking concrete actions to confront their internal struggles and navigate the complexities of their external worlds.

Reclaiming Personal Agency in a Chaotic World

One of the book’s most compelling themes is the idea that we often look outside of ourselves for solutions to our problems—waiting for a job, a partner, or a breakthrough to change our lives. However, Oakes argues that true liberation comes from within. By sharing practical exercises, reflective prompts, and powerful stories, he encourages readers to confront their fears, challenge limiting beliefs, and take action toward their own healing and transformation. Rather than waiting for an external force to solve their problems, Oakes teaches his readers how to become active creators of their own destinies.

In addition to providing a roadmap for personal empowerment, “Waiting for White Jesus” also examines systemic oppression and its role in perpetuating cycles of trauma. Oakes emphasizes the importance of understanding how societal pressures, historical injustices, and cultural conditioning have shaped our identities and worldview. He encourages readers to confront these external influences while simultaneously strengthening their internal resolve to reclaim their personal agency. 

A Book for Those Who Are Ready to Act

“Waiting for White Jesus” is for anyone who has ever felt stuck, unheard, or undervalued. It’s for those who are tired of waiting and are ready to take action toward reclaiming their power. Cleveland G. Oakes Jr.’s voice is a beacon of hope for anyone who feels overwhelmed by life’s challenges, offering both the wisdom and the encouragement needed to break through obstacles and create lasting change. The book resonates deeply with those who have faced struggles with identity, trauma, and resilience and offers a roadmap for confronting these challenges head-on.

For readers who have been caught in cycles of passivity, waiting for a miracle or someone else to save them, Oakes provides a clear and actionable alternative: the path of self-agency. Through his personal narrative, social critique, and psychological insights, he invites readers to step into their own power, embrace radical responsibility, and begin the work of healing and transformation.

Cleveland’s journey from Brooklyn’s streets to a licensed therapist, media executive, and thought leader exemplifies the power of perseverance, self-reflection, and intentional growth. His story is a practical guide for others who wish to break free from the narratives that have kept them bound. Through “Waiting for White Jesus,” readers learn that they hold the key to their own salvation—and that key lies in reclaiming their personal agency.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

“Waiting for White Jesus” is more than just a book; it’s a movement. It challenges the narrative of waiting for a savior and instead promotes the empowering truth that each person holds the potential for radical transformation. Cleveland G. Oakes Jr.’s work is a rallying cry for those ready to take charge of their lives, confront their personal and societal struggles, and step into their true power. Whether you are struggling with identity, resilience, or systemic oppression, this book provides the tools and wisdom to begin your journey toward healing, liberation, and self-empowerment.

Available now in Kindle, Hardcover, and Paperback formats on Amazon, “Waiting for White Jesus” is a must-read for anyone who is tired of waiting for change and is ready to become the active creator of their destiny.

We had the privilege of interviewing the author. Here are excerpts from the interview.

Hi, It’s great to have you with us today! Please share about yourself with our readers.

Hello, my name is Cleveland G. Oakes Jr., I am based in New York City, and I’m a licensed mental health counselor-in-training, writer, and co-host of the podcast The Devil You Don’t Know, which I host with my wife, Lindsay. I’m also the co-founder of Embrace Within Counseling, a private practice based in New York City. My work centers on helping people confront personal and generational pain, reclaim their stories, and move toward purpose with clarity and courage. 

Please tell us about your book. 

My book, Waiting for White Jesus: Reclaiming Agency in a World that Tells You to Wait, is part memoir, part social commentary, and part self-help. It reflects on growing up Black in 1980s Brooklyn during the height of the crack epidemic and the complexities of faith, fatherhood, addiction, and identity. The book challenges readers to stop waiting for someone else to save them and instead take radical responsibility for their own healing and transformation. 

Please share your journey with our readers.

My journey has been anything but linear. I spent over a decade in blue-collar jobs before transitioning into the entertainment industry, where I rose to become a respected executive at NBCUniversal. But despite the titles and success, something was missing. A series of personal challenges—including divorce and single fatherhood—forced me to confront my own trauma and reevaluate what mattered. That led me to therapy, then to becoming a therapist, and ultimately to writing this book. Today, I live a life grounded in purpose, authenticity, and service. 

What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?

I leaned heavily on three core strategies: Radical self-honesty – Being brutally honest with myself about what wasn’t working in my life. Therapeutic work and mindfulness – Incorporating mindfulness, journaling, and the teachings of Gabor Maté, Albert Ellis, and others. Faith and consistency – I kept showing up, even when the outcomes weren’t immediate. My Christian faith reminded me that purpose unfolds over time, not all at once. I also stopped trying to prove my worth to others and started investing in healing, not hustling. 

Any message for our readers?

You don’t have to stay stuck in the story someone else wrote for you. You have the power to rewrite the narrative—one decision, one boundary, one breath at a time. Healing isn’t always pretty, but it’s always worth it. Don’t wait for permission to change your life. Start now. 

Thank you so much for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!