In this crucial time of demand for reform, it is more important than ever that we resource ourselves appropriately. While there is no shortage of materials out there surrounding the current movement for social justice, sometimes the search process itself can become overwhelming. With that in mind, I’ve built this curated list of resources with the intent of helping you and your loved ones navigate some next steps forward.New to the movement or want to learn more? Start by listening and educating yourself.If you’re brand new and need context, this frank, conversational virtual segment by Trevor Noah and this powerful op-ed by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar help explain the current situation.Looking to do some anti-racism reading? Ibram X. Kendi’s books Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America and How To Be An Antiracist are powerful and both appear on this anti-racist reading list featuring black writers. Robin DiAngelo’s White Fragility also appears on several bestseller lists. Better yet, consider making your book purchase from one of these black-owned bookstores. If you’d prefer to start with some articles, consider checking out Barack Obama’s piece for Medium on leveraging this moment for change or hop over to read Nikole Hannah-Jones’ essay for the New York Times Magazine’s 1619 Project, which serves to reframe the historical narrative of America to reflect the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans.Parents, if this is a conversation you’re having with your teens, consider starting a YA book club with one of these fictional titles: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely, Dear Martin by Nic Stone, or the MUST READ nonfiction Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi. The New York Times and ADL both shared resources for helping students and children process the George Floyd protests. Parents of small children might also find these NPR pieces helpful for navigating conversations with littles: Talking Race With Young Children and Raising White Kids Author On How White Parents Can Talk About Race. Families will likely enjoy watching Hidden Figures or Remember the Titans together or checking out this powerful series of short mini-films developed to explore race, in order to spark some important conversations.More of a podcast type of person? These ones might help get your gears turning: Code Switch by NPR, Seeing White, Pod Save the People, and 1619. Or, if you’d rather curl up on your couch to watch, you can take advantage of free streaming of one of these films: Just Mercy, 13th, I Am Not Your Negro, and Tony Morrison: Pieces I Am.Take action to support the movement and spread the word.Your voice matters; create change by VOTING. Make sure you are registered, register to vote, and then hop over to Campaign Zero to learn more about laws in your area (and how you can contact your local legislators about ending police violence in America). You can even reach out directly to contact your elected officials. Wondering if you should be calling your black friends and loved ones also? This piece from Refinery 29 highlighted whether or not it might be appreciated and why.Speak up in the place you call home. 8 Can’t Wait is a resource aggregating use-of-force policies in cities across the country - find your city or a neighboring city on this list and take action by contacting the mayor or sheriff right away! Making these calls can help reinforce the message to our cities’ leadership that we hold them responsible for policies that help reduce police violence and make neighborhoods safer for people of color.Signing petitions also helps to ensure that your voice is being heard. Petition aggregators such as this Carrd can help you to make the most of your time when navigating between them, and many social media users have also translated it into various languages over on Twitter so that you can share with your loved ones.Are you ready to donate but not sure where to have your funds go? Established organizations such as Black Lives Matter, NAACP, Color of Change, ACLU, and Campaign Zero are always good bets, or you can make sure that your money goes to support bail for protestors by donating to The Bail Project or directly to a recipient from this user-generated map. No matter what you do, make sure that you’re following these organizations on social media, along with other anti-racist accounts like these ones! Seeing their content on an ongoing basis is a powerful reminder of the continued need for action. And don’t forget to support black-owned businesses. Whether finding them through apps and directories like Official Black Wall Street or finding local resources like this one in San Diego, put your money where your mouth is when choosing your next meal or service!Show up. Times are hard and COVID-19 is scary, but many public health professionals are showing up at protests and encouraging others to do the same. If you are ready to express your First Amendment Right to Assembly, it may be helpful to read this piece by the ACLU about Knowing Your Rights and to review Amnesty International’s pamphlet on Staying Safe During Protests.Whether you’ve personally been experiencing the brunt of systemic racism for years, or this is a new educational foray for you as you work to become an ally or an accomplice, you - yes, YOU - have the power to make a difference, to show up for your black friends, family, and neighbors, and to be a part of this necessary and powerful movement for change.Marcela Valladolid@chefmarcela
