Anti-Racism Work
Unlearning White Supremacy
The time is long past for all Americans to begin the work of unlearning white supremacy. Growing up in the educational system in America meant that I learned a lot of untrue, biased, and filtered history and behaviors. My literature classes and my theatre classes were consistently filled with the works of white folks from around the world. I am lucky enough to have had individual teachers who refused to be constrained by the bonds of the Californian educational standards, but even with their work, the history of our country was still presented with a white supremacist bent.
I am working to decolonize my own perception of history, and to identify my own internalized racism and dismantle white supremacy.
Listed are articles/books/resources that I have found helpful in my journey of doing anti-racism work. I will be updating this list as I read and grow. I hope that you find them helpful in your journey.
This book has helped me redefine how I go into conversations about race. It gives clear, concise language on defining the goal of a conversation, as well as needed context for a myriad of issues including the history of policing in America, the model minority myth, and internalized racism even within black and brown communities.
Find it on Bookshop here.
This GoogleDoc is a behemoth of information. It has Chicago local businesses, protests, action groups, art opportunities, and so much more. It has a TON of articles linked on how to safely protest, how to understand bail, and anti-racism readings for non-Black folks. I cannot even begin to say how helpful this has been to me in finding places to donate, to shop, to protest. Send some love to the person who created this resource by Venmoing @kiahgrace.
Find it here.
The Daily Show is and has always been one of my favorite shows. Since taking over, Trevor Noah has taken the show to new heights, and is using his platform to amplify Black voices in addition to providing his own incredible insight. His interview with activist Kimberly Jones is powerful, and she is brilliant. Her book, I’m Not Dying With You Tonight, is on my to-read list.
Find their interview here.