February is Black History Month.
It’s a time to honor and recognize the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. history.
While it’s important to shine a month-long spotlight on these things, they can’t be forgotten about for the other 11 months.
The last few years have shone a spotlight on some of the racial divides and societal inequities that still exist today. And to make meaningful change in the U.S. and beyond, it’s not enough to simply “not be racist” and post something on our social media accounts.
Change will only happen when we are actively anti-racist and fight for equality and system-wide reform.
The first step is education and knowledge.
Here are 23 resources that individuals or organizations can explore to learn what it means to be anti-racist.
Anti-Racism Resources for Individuals
Defined by NAC International Perspectives, “anti-racism is the active process of eliminating racism by changing systems, organizational structures, policies and practices, and attitudes, so that power is redistributed and shared equitably.”
But before you can take meaningful action, you need to be empowered with information and knowledge.
This comes from reading, listening, watching, and engaging with resources compiled by reputable sources.
Further, you can engage in conversations with your family, friends, and colleagues about anti-racism. It’s important to be part of an inclusive and open community, where questions are encouraged and it’s okay to still be learning.
We’re grateful for our members here at Launch who are just as committed to creating a safe and inclusive work environment as we are. You can read more about some of our members and the amazing work they’re doing in our article about supporting black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.
If you have any questions about our commitment to diversity and inclusion at Launch, you’re welcome to contact us and start a conversation and learn more.
Here are some resources you can use to personally learn, grow, reflect, and take action.
Education and Knowledge
- How to Be an Antiracist (Book): This New York Times bestseller was written by Ibram X. Kendi and explores the transformative concept of antiracism.
- Why Americans Don’t Learn About Tulsa or Juneteenth (Podcast): So much of black history is erased, downplayed, and not taught in our schools. This podcast explores two legacy moments in history that many Americans are only just starting to learn about. Race, Social Justice, and Civil Rights (Library Resource Guide): Compiled by the Boston Public Library, this resource guide provides definitions, videos, readings, and more on the topics of race, social justice, and civil rights.
- African American History: From Emancipation to the Present (2010) (Course): Although this Yale course doesn’t cover the most recent decade of African American history, it provides an excellent overview of everything from 1863 up until the present day and is a good resource for those who want a historical deep-dive.
- What Does it Mean to Be Anti-Racist? (Video): This educational video was released by Above in July 2020 to help inform and educate viewers about what anti-racism means.
Self-Reflection
- Implicit Association Test (Interactive Test): Our brains make quick associations to make sense of the world around us. And while many are useful and harmless, some demonstrate the implicit biases we hold. This test reveals what biases you may hold so you can increase self-awareness.
- How Not to Be an Ally (Article): Many self-proclaimed allies can make common missteps in their effort to support their friends and colleagues of color. Here are some tips on effective allyship and an opportunity to self-reflect on your own practices.
- Antiracism Meditation (Guided meditation and journal prompts): Use these guided meditations and journal prompts to intentionally self-reflect on areas of racism, privilege, and allyship.
- Accountability Statement (Article): Robin DiAngelo, author of White Fragility, compiled this personal accountability statement as a white person. Use it as an area of reflection and create your own personal version to hold yourself accountable to anti-racism efforts.
Action and Activism
- How to Make This Moment the Turning Point for Real Change (Article): Written by former President Barack Obama after the murder of George Floyd in 2020, this article explores the action steps needed to turn a period of mourning into one of action. It encourages all people to be involved in their local politics, where change starts.
- How to Turn White Privilege into Antiracist Allyship (Podcast): Debby Irving, racial justice educator, and Dr. Jacqueline Battalora, attorney and professor of sociology, speak about how to use white privilege as a force for change in the fight against racism.
- Here’s How to Respond to Microaggressions (Video and Article): Language matters—it’s important to be aware of common microaggressions and why they’re offensive to both do better as individuals and call other people out. Here are some examples of what you can listen out for to adjust your language in the future.
Inspiration through Storytelling
- Code Switch (Podcast): Named “show of the year” by Apple in 2020, this podcast explores fearless conversations about race as it affects every part of society.
- Historically Black (Podcast): This eight-episode mini-series brings black history to life through personal heirlooms and stories.
- Heavy: An American Memoir (Novel): Author Kiese Laymon authentically shares his story growing up in Jackson, Mississippi.
- I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (Novel): Author Maya Angelou captures her childhood experience in this memoir, capturing poetic details of living in a small Southern town.
- Just Mercy (Novel and Film): This novel-turned-film shares the unforgettable true story of Bryan Stevenson, a young lawyer who dedicated his life to defending the poor, incarcerated, and wrongly condemned in Montgomery, Alabama.
Anti-Racism Resources for Organizations
If you’re a leader or manage employees, you may be looking for resources to offer to your team. By making anti-racism education and learning central to your organization, you can build a more inclusive workplace while prioritizing positive social change.
Any of the above individual resources are appropriate to share with your employees, but here are some additional options that may work better for a team and are geared to the workplace:
- How White Managers Can Respond to Anti-Black Violence (Article): Michael Kraus, a social psychologist, provides actionable steps for leaders who want to combat racism in their workplaces.
- The What, Why, and How of Creating a Safe and Inclusive Work Environment (Article): We wrote this guide for leaders and managers to understand the differences between diversity and inclusion plus how to make a safe and inclusive workplace.
- What Leaders Must Do Today to Address Systemic Racism (Video Interview): Published by Harvard Business Review, this interview discusses how organizations and leaders can practically step up and support their colleagues of color in a meaningful way.
- Educate Yourself: Online Racial Equity Workshops (Online Workshops): Use one of these online workshops, compiled by Eventbrite, as a professional development opportunity for your team. These virtual events are all around the topic of racial equity.
- Racism in the Workplace (Research and Data): Educate yourself with these eye-opening statistics about racism in the workplace as a starting point for change and growth.
- Framework for Leading Classroom Conversations About Race (Guide): Although geared towards classrooms, this guide is also relevant in the workplace. The “RACE” framework can help leaders and educators have productive and meaningful conversations about race.
These resources are just a starting point. As you begin to explore what it means to be anti-racist, let yourself be open, curious, and honest.
It’s likely that the more you learn, the more you realize how far there is to go—but that’s okay! The important thing is to start and make it a priority both as an individual and in your organization to take intentional steps towards anti-racism.
If you’re looking for an inclusive workspace community for yourself or your team, book a tour of your local Launch Workplace today.
