Reading for Treasure: Fighting Racism

This is a longer than usual Reading for Treasure entry due to recent events. I have been reading, researching, and reflecting on how White people like me can fight racism beyond posting on social media. I am listening, learning, and taking action – and I want to do so in a way that really helps. Here are links to articles, resources, and lists that may help anyone, but especially White people, find productive ways to join the fight.

 

 

A great place to start might be with “Dear White People This is What We Want You to Do.” This blog post is a clear do and don’t list along with some great links including this link to a much more complete resource and reading list than this one.

 

If you want many options, this list article from Medium may help. Don’t be overwhelmed.  The title is clear: “75 Things White People Can Do For Racial Justice.” I first encountered it when it was far fewer items. The suggestions are excellent. Take it in bite-size pieces and use it as a springboard for action.

 

Similarly, “26 Ways to be in the Struggle Beyond the Streets” gives some clear suggestions that are different but complementary to the Medium list above.

 

“Dear White People: Do Something” is a blog post on #Morethan:a movement. It is a short and very clear discussion about why you should go beyond an empathetic response and do something, even if it is a small step forward.

 

This column from the Chicago Tribune called “White America, if you want to know who’s responsible for racism, look in the mirror,” lays this squarely at the feet of White people. It is a powerful indictment and one that you must read before you react defensively.

 

Although it is aimed at White women, this blog post talks about the language we use to respond to issues of race. “5 Racist Anti-Racist Responses “Good” White Women Give to Viral Posts” looks at statements people make online, why people might make them, why they are problematic, and provides some alternatives.

 

Kareen Abdul-Jabbar’s OpEd piece in the Los Angeles Times is a highly articulate framing of the protests, the violence, and the background. Please read it.

 

Lifehacker has a few short pieces that deal specifically with protesting: First, “How To Support the Protests if You Can’t Attend.” They have advice about “What to Do If You’ve Been Pepper Sprayed” and “The Phone Settings You Need to Know Before Protesting.”   They also published a succinct article entitled, “How to Fight for Justice for George Floyd.” It lists four clear ways you can do more than just watch the news. Finally, they have a great list of “Where to Donate to Help People Fighting for Racial Justice.”

 

Although my children are older, it is critical that White people have conversations about race with their children. Here is a list of “27 Books to Help You Talk to Your Kids About Racism” that was posted on social media by a librarian. Most of the books fall into the elementary or early middle school age range, but these books can be fantastic conversation starters with anyone.

 

Commonsense Media has a broader piece about “How White Parents Can Use Media to Raise Anti-Racist Kids” that would complement the list of books above.  

 

Finally, if you are buying books, why not support a Black-owned bookstore. Here is a list of the “Black Owned Bookstores in the United States” with links, addresses, and contact information.

 

Reading for Treasure is my list of articles (and other readings) that are worth your attention. Click here for an introduction.  

 

I am currently reading The Deep by River Solomon with Daveed Diggs, William Huston, and Jonathan Snipes.