Anti-racist Reads

In light of everything going on this week (this week, and basically every day, week, and hour since the pilgrims came over on the Mayflower), I've decided to hold off on the post I was planning to make this week and instead focus on books about racism and how to be anti-racist. I also figured that since so many better-informed people than I have already put in the work to share such resources, I should take this opportunity to amplify some of those voices. So, let's get to it.

First things first, while this is not a book, it is an incredible resource. Brianna Wallace and Autumn Gupta (@Autumn_Bry on Twitter) created Justice in June, a month-long curriculum designed to be a starting point for allies to use in educating themselves. Please use and share this, because it is truly phenomenal.

Victoria Alexander also shared some fantastic book lists on Twitter, subdivided by topic no less! Follow the link for a thread of start recommendations, intermediate recommendations, a topic-specific list, biographies and personal narratives, Black feminism, Black LGBTQ+ literature, and Black-centered fiction. For anyone interested in adding to their personal book collection, Victoria also provided a list of Black owned indie bookstores you can support, AND, as if that wasn't enough, put together an anti-racist resource guide. (Note: The book lists on Twitter are images, so I'll be sharing the titles featured on each list in the comments for anyone unable to view those images.)

Then there is this comprehensive compilation of resources for all ages put together by Dr. Nicole A. Cooke. It includes a variety of formats, so peruse and learn! 

And finally, since everyone deserves to see themselves in the books they read, and since Black and Indigenous People of Color deserve books that celebrate their lives in addition to books that document their struggles, below are two great reading lists highlighting authors of color. In addition to educating ourselves on how to be anti-racist, let's also celebrate some of the excellent stories being told about experiencing joy and success.

52 books by women of color to read throughout 2020.

14 Incredible Books to Read When You Need a Dose of Black Girl Magic