When I first became aware of the concept of white privilege, I responded in the way that most white people do - with defensiveness. I was adamant that I was both non-racist and inclusive, and it triggered me to hear someone say that I may be otherwise.
I always felt that me, my work and my communities were an open, warm and inviting space for everyone. In my personal life, I felt I held no racial bias or judgment, despite the fact that the majority of my friends, community and the people I followed online were white women.
Even though it seemed that I was not doing anything which was overtly racist or non-inclusive, what I can now see is that this does not mean I am actively non-racist or working as an ally to dismantle racism in every possible way.
To dismantle racism, become actively anti-racist and unpack our privilege, we have to be willing put to the side all of our righteousness, our defensiveness and everything we think we know about what it meant to be racist so that we can take a long, deep, honest and hard look at ourselves.
This work is both challenging and confronting, and the deeper I dive into it, the more I see just how much I have to learn. We need to realise there is deep systemic racism buried in our society and there is a long and traumatic history of it in many of our cultures.
This work is life-long and ongoing and will require consistent commitment and willingness to unlearn all that we think we know, and open our hearts to listen to people of colour and hear and honour their pain.
It is our job as white people to educate ourselves, and it is not the job of BIPOC leaders and educators to teach us. There is more than enough information out there for us, and all that is required is our commitment and willingness to do the work.
So, in this blog post, I wanted to share some of the resources I have been using to practise anti-racism and unpack my privilege. These are the books, articles, videos and courses I am genuinely working through and gaining value from.
I have intentionally kept this simple as a starting point as to not overwhelm you, and to ensure there beginning this work feels accessible and achievable.
Also, I am aware I am a little slow to the conversation and I have been quiet on this topic over the past few weeks. That is because I felt it my responsibility to listen, learn, unlearn, and amplify the voices of BIPOC leaders and teachers before speaking up with my own views.
I have taken a fair amount of time to compile and share this blog post as I didn't want to be tokenistic and share things for the sake of sharing them. I did not want to rush into this conversation and begin centering myself and my feelings.
I will continue to add to this list over time, but for now, I hope this supports you in beginning this incredibly important work.
Start here:
Anti-Racism Resources For White People
https://www.whenwestandtogether.com/
Anti-Racism For Beginners And White People Resources List
http://antiracismforbeginners.com
Understanding Racism & White Privilege:
Red Table Talk - The Racial Divide: Women of Colour & White Women
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=343064719835818
Hello. Privilege. It's me Chelsea
(Trailer) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPsLcrVlwt4
Available to watch in full on Netflix
The Anti-Racism Experiment with Jane Elliot on the Oprah Winfrey Show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebPoSMULI5U
Understanding White Fragility with Dr. Robin DiAngelo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45ey4jgoxeU
The Movie 13th
(Trailer) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6GDcBf_IjY
Available to watch in full on Netflix
Articles to read:
The Anti-Racism Starter Kit
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b21b436f8370a84045a7256/t/5dfa5d9ccda8467a3e891749/1576689054017/Antiracism+Starter+Kit.pdf
16 Bridge Building Tips For White People
https://bethebridge.com/docs/16Tips.pdf
Dear White Women: How To Be An Ally
https://072bc434-41d6-41ab-b249-9180c67fb60f.filesusr.com/ugd/5be363_f5d9bdf09e2d4f6eaba09a8c193f5199.pdf
How To Create Diversity In Your Online Business
https://helloseven.co/how-to-create-diversity-within-your-online-business/
Books to read:
Layla F. Saad
Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor
Robin DiAngelo
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism
Ijeoma Oluo
So You Want to Talk About Race
Renni Eddo-Lodge
Why I'm No Longer Talking To White People About Race
Courses to work through:
#Dothework with Rachel Cargle (Free 30 day course)
https://instagram.us18.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=e7528b5266e654d0ce83c211d&id=1e469b88c0
The Great Unlearn with Rachel Cargle
https://www.patreon.com/thegreatunlearn
The Good Ancestor Academy with Layla F Saad
http://laylafsaad.com/good-ancestor-academy
Anti-Racism Webinars with Rachel Ricketts
https://www.rachelricketts.com/shop-products
BIPOC Leaders & Educators:
I am committed to diversifying my feed and community, learning, showcasing and amplifying the voices of BIPOC leaders & educators, and creating a more inclusive, diverse and anti-racist business.
Here are some of the incredible woman whose work I want to amplify as I appreciate them deeply. I feel grateful for all I am learning from them right now.
@novareidofficial
@rachel.cargle
@laylafsaad
@allira.potter
@ashinspires
@rachrodgersesq
@iamrachelricketts
@the.wellbeingconnexion
@lalahdeliah
I have also been following @shaunking for a while now and his account is a powerful way to stay up to date with what is unfolding.
Our anti-racism work is not a once-off practise, and instead requires an ongoing commitment. There is a lot to work through, so take your time and feel free to bookmark this post so you can re-visit it at any time you need.
With love,
Connie x
