We are clearly living through a huge moment in history. Not only is a major pandemic sweeping the globe, but our country is now being force to face issues of white supremacy, racism, and inequity that are engrained within society. This is a moment in history that I want to be able to look back on and know that I did my best to help move our country forward toward social justice.
And one big way I know I have to start is through self-reflection, mindfulness, and unpacking. I started this work in college, through diversity and social justice courses that were part of my teaching degree. But I know I can do better.
So I’ve assigned myself some summer homework! I’ve got a list of books (there are so many more, but these are the ones I’m starting with) to tackle this summer, so I can start making my actions and conversations more meaningful. So I can show up more for the ideals I believe in.
Here are the books on my summer homework list:
- White Fragility by Robin Diangelo: This is the book I am starting with, and it’s wonderfully straightforward and gets right the heart of it. My friend said it’s like “ripping off the bandaid”, because it lays it down for white people – she talks about racism, white supremacy, and our biases in a way that can’t be argued with. A must-read for any white person who thinks that they aren’t racist because they’re a good person.
- How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi: I am so excited to get more familiar with Kendi’s work. I’ve heard the Audible version of this book is narrated by him and super powerful–I may end up buying that version as well to listen as I read along. He also has new books coming out geared toward a younger audience. And he’s being featured in a free virtual event coming up in July that I just registered for on EventBrite!
- Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge: This book explores racism in Britain, but the call to action certainly applies to the United States. I’m excited for this book because it explores how so many white people are complicit in racism without even realizing it.
- Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad: This quote from the Foreward by Robin Diangelo says it all: “This book is a gift of compassion from a brilliant Black woman willing to guide you through a deep examination of white racial conditioning in service of your liberation.” This is a great place to start for all of us looking for a task to move us in the right direction of action.
What's on your summer reading list?
xoxo
Laura
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