Resources to Move Towards a World Without Police Violence
Police brutality against Black people brings to mainstream awareness the reality of anti-Black sentiment, and the injustice Black people have experienced for hundreds of years.
It is important to name anti-Black sentiment, to learn to identify it within ourselves and others. Almost every session with my clients these days has included a conversation about their reactions to recent events. Rather than expressing helplessness, I am inspired by their strength and determination to use their voices to advocate for justice, educate themselves and others, and recognizing racism within themselves in an effort to strive for equity.
As a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) therapist I am still processing these events myself, and at the moment I do not have words to express the shock I am feeling in response to seeing people finally recognizing the deep suffering that BIPOC people have experienced. There is a part of me that is mistrustful and feels that it might be “too good to be true,” that people may be advocating for justice now, but perhaps they will soon forget.
There is another part of me that feels hopeful, that sees opportunity during times of transition. I am inspired to continue to identify my own internalized racism and educate myself as a way to support my growth. In case there is a part of you that also feels hopeful and inspired, below is a resource list to support your growth. My belief is that our personal growth is key to the growth of our communities at large.
To Watch:
13th
When They See Us
The House I Live In
To Listen to:
To Read:
I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown
White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism, by Robin DiAngelo
How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi
Caste by Isabel Wilkerson
Unbound by Tarana Burke
One Drop by Yaba Blay
To Support:
Campaign Zero—comprehensive advocacy material on ending police brutality
Black businesses in your area