Resources around Racism and Anti-Racism

These are Kathy Grannell Kihanya's suggestions for how you can make a difference when it comes to learning about white privilege, about racism and anti-racism.

1. Pray for God’s guidance when you feel lost and confused about racism and anti-racism, and the downtrodden and the oppressed.
2. Seek to educate yourself about what racism is, how it is often hidden, and how it affects individuals. Listen to authentic black voices. Admit mistakes and try not to repeat them. Listen carefully to people of color. Consider starting a chapter of “Courageous Conversations about Race.” (courageousconversation.com)
3. Read, as often as you can, about the history of race in America. Two very recent books may help: Robin DiAngelo’s “White Fragility” and Debby Irving’s “Waking Up White”. A more authentic voice for you may be Dr. Ibram X. Kendi and his books “Stamped” and “How to be an Anti-Racist.” Don’t forget the biographies of black folk like Mary McLeod Bethune, Frederick Douglass or Langston Hughes. Some good books on this topic for children are “Something Happened in our Town” or “Momma, Did you Hear the News?” So, maybe start a book club and share what you have learned, and what you still don’t understand. Watch movies like “Mr. Church,” “Freedom” and “An American Son.” And “The Same Kind of Different.” – all on Netflix or Prime. Sit with your children and watch the movie “Ruby Bridges” or “The Color of Friendship”
4. Constantly identify and confirm that which is racist. Dare to challenge it.
5. Contact your politicians and tell them what you would like to see done officially in order to promote anti-racism. Postcards, petitions, phone calls, emails and office visits when possible. Issues like justice and prison reform.
6. Be an ally. Place a sign about equality in your yard. Tell relatives how they might become anti-racist. Stick up for the oppressed in situations that you witness. As possible, financially support non-profits that are working to eradicate racism by empowering black folks.
7. Stop saying, “I’m not racist.” Instead say “I don’t want to be racist” or “I’m still learning” Don’t say, “I don’t see color” and instead embrace all that each individual is.
8. Engage in Dr. Eddie Moore’s “21 Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge.”
9. Investigate what the “Black Lives Matter” movement means.
10. And last but not least, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”