READ
In a time where trustworthy media is hard to find, we found a set of diverse texts to add to your knowledge. We hope you take notes and apply these lessons because whether you read an article on your phone or spend your copious free time curled up with a new book, you’re sure to have a good takeaway from these.
"Dear white and non-Black people of color: It is our moral duty to speak up
Deborah from UW's The Daily wrote this 4 minute read that calls students and the greater Seattle community to action. She discusses the importance of vigilance, privilege, and being aware of systemic racism and supremacy in a way that every ally should take notes on, and begin their journey with.
"How Public Opinion Has Moved on Black Lives Matter"
If you’ve been wondering how great your impact on momentum of the BLM movement has been (or just overall stats), check out this intriguing article by the New York Times. The data that Nate and Kevin compiled show the drastic changes in public opinion trends that have never before swept stubborn America’s voting and voicing so drastically.
"As a Black woman, I can't ever stop thinking about racism. It's not a choice; it's my reality."
Natachi Onwuamaegbu
Natachi's article is not just moving, it is sickening, as it reminds allies that we are lucky to have the opportunity to "pause" the conversation on race. She talks about how her identity as a Black woman is always consuming, and the privilege that comes with allyship is you can take off your shirt and put down your sign at the end of the day.
"How the Black Lives Matter street mural came together on Seattle's Capitol Hill"
A beautiful piece by Lewis, this article chronicling the production of the famous Capitol Hill Black Lives Matter mural is uplifting and heartwarming. It encourages hope and continuity in a way that inspires all of us during these difficult times.
"How to Be an Antiracist"
Ibram’s concept of antiracism is reshaping conversations about racial justice in America, posing the idea of creating a new anti-racist society instead of working with policies and systems currently in place and how we can play active roles in building it. In the memoir, he weaves ethics, history, law and science into an involving read.
"Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption"
The book that led to the movie currently sweeping the nation, Brian’s story about the non-profit law office he founded is sure to move every fiber of your being. He brings faces and souls to the statistics of injustice in our justice system, in an absolutely unforgettable way.
"Toxic Communities"
Dorceta dives into the systemic problems that disproportionately affect poor and minority communities to environmental hazards, and how entrenched segregation still exists in America today. This book draws on historical and contemporary case studies in a way that is essential for environmental justice scholars and allies to understand.
"Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We're Not Hurting"
Terrie’s personal struggle with untreated depression is all too familiar and she used her work as a clinical social worker to share stories from the Black community, and explain ways friends, the church, and treatment can lead to positive change. This story is told in a way that readers can see loved ones, or themselves in each story.
"A Black Women's History of the United States"
Daina and Kali’s book is empowering, told in a way that highlights the strengths of Black women. Their mission is to show allies how Black women can uniquely create communities while combating centuries of oppression and how this contributes to the continued resistance we are seeing today.