As we continue to prepare for another semester and enjoy our summer plans, we cannot forget about the Black Lives Matter movement that was sparked again only a few short weeks ago. It is important to continue the difficult conversations about racism with friends and family, simply because having the option to have these conversations is a privilege in itself.
In continuing these conversations, it is also important to continue learning about the root of oppression and racism. I have compiled a list of resources from podcasts to books as I continue to learn about this important issue. I plan to continue doing my own research. There is no shame in admitting when you do not know something or are learning something new. I will continue learning about the systemic racism that is ingrained in every aspect of our lives.
Podcasts:
Presented by The Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights, this podcast jumps into difficult conversations regarding civil and human rights challenges individuals face every day. They offer a range of episodes based on different topics from justice reform to education, policing, and more.
This podcast presented by Crooked Media explores news, culture, social justice, and politics with a unique take on the news. In the episodes, they focus on overlooked stories and topics that often impact people of color.
‘1619,’ a podcast from The New York Times, examines the history of slavery and the systemic impacts that it has made on modern-day society.
This weekly podcast by NPR explores conversation about race and how it impacts every part of our society. This podcast is a great way to begin the discussion and explore how your daily life is impacted by race.
Books/Readings:
This book written by Ijeoma Oluo guides readers of all races through subjects ranging from intersectionality and affirmative actions to “model minorities.” This is a great starting place to learn how to have honest conversations about race and racism and the impact it has on almost every aspect of American life.
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness- Michelle Alexander
Michelle Alexander discusses race-related issues related to African-American males and the issue of mass incarceration in the United States. This book also dives into the discrimination faced by other minorities and socio-economically disadvantaged populations.
This project examines the legacy of slavery in America. There are many stories shared you can read that examine the lasting legacy of slavery.
How to be an Anti-Racist- Ibram X. Kendi
This book approaches a new way to understanding and uprooting racism and inequality in our society. Antiracism is a transformative concept that allows us to further understand the conversation about racism and uproot our thinking of ourselves and each other.
Documentaries, Films, and Shows:
13th (Netflix and free on Netflix's Youtube channel)
This documentary explores the history of racial inequality in America, focusing on the fact that the country’s prisons are populated more by African-Americans than any other race.
The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson (Netflix)
This documentary examines the life and death of transgender activist, Marsha P. Johnson, and her mysterious death. Johnson was a monumental transgender leader who played important roles in the Stonewall Riots and the gay rights movement.
When They See Us (Netflix)
This true-crime series on Netflix tells the story of the Central Park Five. In 1989 a jogger was violently assaulted in Central Park, New York and five young boys were charged with the crime. Throughout their sentences, they maintained their innocence and spent years fighting the conviction.
This blog post was written by Temple PRSSA Chapter President, Mackenzi Hockensmith
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