When I was a kid I would ask my dad how to spell a word. He replied, “Look it up in the dictionary.” Exasperated I said, “If I knew how to spell it I COULD look it up!” Being clueless may be your starting point. But what you DO know is that you want to learn about anti-racism and that’s fantastic.
As a white person who wants to be a good accomplice to Black people I start out with the shortcoming that I only know what it is to live as a white person. I can be sympathetic, but I don’t KNOW what it is to be living Black in America. Educating myself was starting at ground zero. Many of you have asked me to share what I have found so that you can also learn without having to make your Black loved ones be responsible for your education. I’ve heard activists say, “Just Google it!” The trouble is you may not be sure what “it” is. Plus Google will show you hundreds of thousands of links. Where do you start?
Here are some starting places. This is just the beginning as of June 2020.
Reading – I’m going to share books and links to book lists. There will be some duplication.
White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism by Robin DiAngelo
It’s painful to find out that you’re a racist and have been living that way all your life. Yes, you get to feel shame and to cry. But you do that with other white people. Black people don’t need to comfort YOU for your discovery.
Towards the Other America: Anti-Racist Resources for White People Taking Action for Black Lives Matter, by Chris Crass
Dr. Harper mentions Crass’ book in her video. (see below)
I’m a white immigrant. What do I need to know? An advice column by Harriette Cole in the San Jose Mercury with books & films that help to explain the racial situation in America. (Thank you to Linda for the link)
Videos
Uprooting White Fragility with Dr. A. Harper. This eye opening, emotional lecture is so human, so accessible. It runs an hour and a quarter so leave yourself time. I love that Dr. Harper touches on both white people need to be responsible for their own education AND maybe that’s too hard for them.
(Thank you to Sage for sending this.)
White Fragility (06/12/20). Dr Robin DiAngelo interviewed by Marcus Campbell, Ed. D.
Beloved Community Talks. A short video of Chris Crass at a Martin Luther King, Jr. Foundation event
Radically Candid Conversations. Kim Scott & Dr. A. Breeze Harper Discuss Anti-Racism. Fascinating discussion of the trauma of race for whites.
Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man. Former football player Emmanuel Acho talks to white people and answers their awkward questions.
Parenting in Support of Black Lives: How to Build a Just Future for Kids. Commonwealth Club presents a conversation moderated by Julie Lythcott-Haims with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi and Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith exploring the harsh complexities of racism and systemic injustice and helping our children process these concepts. (Thank you Paige for the link)
Ginna Green and Justus Baird: Blackness, Jewishness, and America: Opening a Conversation. A Shalom Hartman Institute video
Brené with Ibram X. Kendi on How to Be an Antiracist. Brené Brown Unlocking Us podcast
Online Resources
Robert Reich on Facebook
Why Ta-Nehisi Coates is Hopeful. A podcast on The Ezra Klein Show
This is a BIG list of a wide range of resources from the Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County on Racial Justice. They invite their multiple congregations to engage in a 21-day Racial Equality Challenge. (Thank you to Beth Chaim of Danville for the link)
PLEASE SEND ME GOOD INFO YOU HAVE FOUND SO I CAN INCLUDE IT!