Black Lives Matter
Colleagues in Manchester City Council have shared a useful and comprehensive resource called Justice in June, which is full of learning materials and a daily activity for anyone wanting to educate themselves about the black community and racial justice. Justice in June has been added to the Time to Read downloads for use by staff or book groups.
The resource guide contains ahuge array of learning material and links to booklists that are being updated daily. This list of three books, plus six magazine articles is just a start.
Books
“How to Be an Antiracist” by Dr Ibram X. Kendi (available on Borrowbox as ebook or audiobook)
“White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism” by Robin DiAngelo, PhD (available on Borrowbox as ebook or audiobook)
“Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race” by Reni Eddo-Lodge (available on Borrowbox as ebook or audiobook)
Articles
“America’s Racial Contract is Killing Us” by Adam Serwer
“Who Gets to Be Afraid in America?” by Ibram X. Kendi
The 1619 Project from the New York Times
“White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack” by Peggy McIntosh
“The Intersectionality Wars” by Jane Coaston
“The Case for Reparations” by Ta-Nehisi Coates
“Tips for Creating Effective White Caucus Groups” developed by Craig Elliott
Justice in June shares links to learning resources including videos, reading lists, podcasts and journal and magazine articles. You can even set a schedule of learning based on how much time you want/have to commit to learning more – even as little as up to 10 minutes a day. Leon and Sherelle tell us more:
‘You will have noticed the tensions that have risen and protests taking place all around the world since the murder of George Floyd at the hands of the police in Minnesota. The issue of racial inequality is a global issue and one that needs to be dealt with in order for us to move forward as a society. On a personal level the video left me with a sense of loss, anger and fear. That could have been me! That could have been my father, my cousin, my friend. This isn’t the first video and unfortunately I don’t think it will be the last.’
‘These instances of police brutality are just symptoms of the wider issue that is systemic racism. Which is pervasive in our society, in our health system, in our media, in our housing and benefits system and much more. This isn’t just an issue in America – the issues exist here too and as individuals we have a responsibility to ensure that no person is treated differently because of their skin.’
Often we are unsure how as an individual we can make a difference, but there are steps you can take in order to understand these issues. To start – listen to understand the perspectives of your black colleagues. Secondly let’s talk – help to create safe spaces that encourage more transparent and open conversations, about difficult and complex topics around race you may feel uncomfortable about having.’