Anti-Racism Resources

We have a long way to go...

Black lives matter.

The events of the past few days prove that we as a country and we as individuals need to truly comprehend what that means. We are still so from our ideals.

Because of the huge role we play in the lives of our students, we teachers – especially white teachers – need to actively oppose racism, for the sake of ALL of our students, students of color and white students.

Begin with yourself.

Here are some places to start:

• Anti-racism resources – a Google Doc that has been widely circulated on social media compiled by activists Sarah Sophie Flicker and Alyssa Klein

• "An Essential Reading Guide For Fighting Racism" (Buzzfeed) – a list of 28 books and links to additional recommendations

• "If You Want To Learn About Anti-Racism, These 10 Books Are A Start" (Esquire)

• "Resources & Tools Regarding Racism & Anti-Blackness (& How to be a Better Ally)" by Tatum Dorrell, Matt Herndon, and Jourdan Dorrell (via Paste Magazine)

A collection of anti-racism books, by Jane Mount of Ideal Bookshelf

After spending time looking inward, consider how to bring what you've experienced in your classroom. In their article, "Reflecting on George Floyd's Death and Police Violence Towards Black Americans," Facing History and Ourselves recommends these steps:

1. Start with yourself

2. Prepare for teaching

3. Create space for student reflection

4. Learn about the history of police violence against Black Americans

5. Reflect on protests today

6. Raise students' voices

The article explains these in more detail. I'll be using them as a guideline for my own teaching in the near future.

Here are some links to more resources for classroom use:

• "Resources for Justice and Peace" by Elyse Eidman-Aadahl, Executive Director of the National Writing Project

• "A best-of-the-best collection of resources for social justice- and equity-focused educators" (Common Sense Education)

• "15 Classroom Resources for Discussing Racism, Policing, and Protest" (Edweek)

Like many white people, I have a tendency to think about racism mainly in its most overt forms. I need to confront the casual racism I see around (and within) me, recognize my own white privilege, and find ways to address systemic inequalities in my community and profession. Nonetheless, this episode of NPR's Embedded podcast, "This Is Not a Joke," struck a nerve with me, especially because of the silence of students and the inaction of teachers.

You can download a copy of "Confronting White Nationalism in Schools: A Toolkit" that is talked about in the podcast from the Western States Center.

Updates

• Here's an article that came from a somewhat surprising source (IMO), Cosmopolitan magazine: "How to Talk to Your Parents About Black Lives Matter." You can easily substitute "your parents" with "your white colleagues" or "your white students."

• "An Antiracist Reading List" (New York Times)

• "40+ Books for AntiRacist Teachers – White Fragiles Beware! (summer 2020 update)" (Culturally Responsive Leadership)

• "Being ‘Non-Racist’ Is Not Enough. Let’s Talk About Being Actively Anti-Racist." (Edsurge) – includes links to two upcoming webinars

• "How to Root Out Anti-Black Racism From Your School" (Edweek): name anti-Black racism for what it is; believe Black students; stop challenging “Black Lives Matter"; identify and speak about Black excellence

• "Institutionalized Racism: A Syllabus" (JSTOR Daily)

• "10 Questions to Ask Your School or School District About Race" (Bored Teachers)

• "158 Resources to Understand Racism in America" (Smithsonian Magazine)

• "Talking About Race" (National Museum of African American History & Culture)

• "A Call to Action for White Educators Who Seek to Be Anti-Racist" (PBS Education)

• "Anti-Racism Resources for all ages" (a Padlet by Dr. Nicole A. Cooke, University of South Carolina)