Racial Justice Resources
Over the last few weeks, the Black Lives Matter Movement has become hypervisible on social media. While not a new movement by any means, the exposure we have had to racial injustice in this country over the last month has drawn more attention than ever to the work–both community based and internal–that non-Black Americans have to do.
As attention on the movement on social media begins to die down, we wanted to share a small directory of racial justice resources. Anti-racism is lifelong work that will often feel uncomfortable. But it’s important to commit to that lifetime of learning, listening, and doing better if we ever want to see real change.
Here are some resources that can help you navigate this work:
Books to Read:
Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
How to Be an Anti Racist by Ibram X Kendi
Are Prisons Obsolete? By Angela Davis
The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
The End to Policing by Alex Vitale
Directories, Resource Documents & Syllabi:
Voices to Follow and Learn From:
Things to remember:
Lots of intellectual labor has been provided by Black folks for free. If you are using the resources they have taken the time to put together (and have the financial means yourself) look for ways they would like to be compensated. This could be a venmo/paypal link, a link to an organization they are trying to raise money for, etc.
Google is your friend! Jumping into this work can be confusing and overwhelming. When you come across something you don’t understand, instead of asking for free labor from BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color), take time to do your own research.
You are going to mess up. None of us are perfect–and there isn’t an expectation that we have to be. Your character and intentions will be shown through how well you respond to & listen to criticism, rather than through magically never saying the wrong thing.
Allyship is an action, not an identity. You can’t be an ally without practicing allyship. This means finding ways in your life that you can help. That can be protesting, signing petitions, educating family members, donating money, etc. The most important thing to remember about allyship is that it is not one and done. To be an ally you must continually practice allyship–not just go to one protest and call it a day.
Free, Affordable or Accessible Therapy Resources for Black folks:
The Loveland Foundation: provides financial assistance to Black women & girls seeking therapy
Boris Lawerence Henson Foundation: a nonprofit organization founded by Taraji P. Henson, currently offering free therapy Up to five sessions) to BIPOC who have recently experienced trauma
Ethel’s Club: Mental wellness community resource that offers free & subscription mental health services for BIPOC
Black Men Heal: Pro-Bono Quality Therapy for Men of Color by Providers of Color