“It’s up to all of us – Black, white, everyone – no matter how well-meaning we think we might be, to do the honest, uncomfortable work of rooting {racism} out. It starts with self-examination and listening to those whose lives are different from our own. It ends with justice, compassion, and empathy that manifests in our lives and on our streets.”
⏤Michelle Obama
GET STARTED
Watch and read these 4 short introductory videos and learn how you can Take Action
1
Color Blind or Color Brave?
In this engaging, persuasive talk, Hobson makes the case that speaking openly about race — and particularly about diversity in hiring — makes for better businesses and a better society.
[Video: 14:03]
18 ways to sustain the fight against racism
A new awareness of individual racism and privilege is a valuable start. But systemic racism is woven into every political and institutional structure, and unconscious biases influence all of our interactions. Being “against racism” isn’t enough; we must actively work to end racism.
[Article: Approx 2 min to read]
2
After the Protests: How to be an Active Ally
The violent deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor renewed calls to fight racism and harm to Black people, sparking protests against police brutality across the world. But down the road, when the protests slow down, how do we ensure the movement doesn’t become a faded memory, and instead creates a real path to positive change? [Video: 3:40]
4
103 things white people can do for racial justice
An article originally posted in August of 2017 but updated regularly with commitments and actions white people can take to fight against racism and stand up for our black and brown neighbors.
[Article: approx. 12 min to read]
GO DEEPER
There are many fantastic resources to help us Take Action in America. Consider some of these additional resources to grow in your knowledge and understanding, and take action!
Learn From and Amplify Black Voices
Learn from, and share articles, blog posts, and social media posts created by Black men and women. They are the true experts on racism and have a lot of wisdom and education to offer. Hire their expert voices to speak to your church, civic group, workplace, etc. In addition, purchase or donate to help support their efforts to provide content on-line.
Austin Channing Brown
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR
RACIAL JUSTICE. FAITH.
BLACK WOMANHOOD.
Baratunde Thurston
WRITER, ACTIVIST, COMEDIAN
Clint Smith
WRITER. TEACHER. RESEARCHER.
Have Tough Conversations with Family and Friends
How to Talk About Racism — Maria Moss, a VitalSmarts Certified Trainer, shares a tip for safely discussing inclusion and racial equality. These aren’t easy conversations, but when both parties feel safe, they can learn from one another, better understand, and begin to create change. [Video 1:29]
Set an Example for Your Children
Seeing Color-Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man — Chip & Joanna Gaines sit down with Emmanuel Acho to have an uncomfortable conversation about teaching their kids to “see color” and Emmanuel Acho is asked “if he’s afraid of white people.” [Video: 9:55]
Ekklesia Church: Conversations on Race — A Parent’s guide for leading and learning together [Article: Approx 5 min to read]Website | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon
“Stamped: Racism, Anti-racism and You” by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
“The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas
“Dear Martin” by Nic Stone
“Punching the Air” by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam
Have Conversations and Take Action in the Workplace
What Not to Say to Your Black Colleagues Right Now — But while silence isn’t the answer, here are three things you should not say as your black colleagues, clients and employees grapple with the recent string of traumatic events. [Article: Approx 2 min to read]
Donate/Join an Organization that Advocates for Racial and Social Justice
Shop Local Black Businesses
Triangle Businesses Looking to support Triangle area Black-owned businesses? Here is a list [Website]
Premier Cakes: Premier Cakes is a Black-owned, family operated business that specializes in Southern homemade from scratch old fashioned cakes & pies. Executive chef Tracy Outlaw has been baking and perfecting her recipes for over 25 years. COVID-19 Hours of Operation are Wed-Fri 12pm-6pm [Website]
Colors of Yoga: Colors of Yoga is Raleigh’s first Black-owned yoga studio.Their studio is a judgment-free zone which caters to beginners and those that don’t feel represented at other studios. [Website]
THE ARTS
Seek out new experiences and perspectives from Black contributions in literature, music, poetry, art, and film.
Music
Nina Simone Nina Simone, born Eunice Kathleen Waymon, was an American singer, songwriter, musician, arranger, and civil rights activist. Her music spanned a broad range of musical styles including classical, jazz, blues, folk, R & B, gospel, and pop. [10 of the best]
Janelle Monáe Janelle Monáe is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, actress, and record producer. Monáe is signed to Atlantic as well as to her own imprint, the Wondaland Arts Society. Monáe has received eight Grammy Awards nominations. [Website] [Music Video]
Kamasi Washington Kamasi Washington is an American jazz saxophonist. The release in 2015 of his album “The Epic” featuring his 10 piece band, has elements of Hip-Hop, Classical, and R&B, winning several “Best of” awards.[Website] [Music Video]Poetry
Langston Hughes
“Looks like what drives me crazy
Don’t have no effects on you—
But I’m gonna keep on at it
Till it drives you crazy, too.”
Maya Angelou
“You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.”
20 Black Poets You Should Know
In celebration of the richness of American poetry, here are 20 black American poets who have shown brilliance in their art and service to the community.
Artists
Russell Craig is a painter and Philadelphia native whose work combines portraiture with deeply social and political themes.
Amy Sherald is best known for her portrait paintings. Her choices of subjects look to enlarge the genre of American art historical realism by telling African-American stories within their own tradition. Sherald is the first African-American to paint an official First Lady portrait.
Rashid Johnson was born in 1977 in Chicago, Illinois, and lives and works in New York. Johnson, who got his start as a photographer, works across media—including video, sculpture, painting, and installation—using a wide variety of materials to address issues of African American identity and history.While it’s impossible to capture the full impact of black artists on art history, we asked prominent art historians and curators reflect on 20 living African American artists who are making a mark on painting, photography, performance, and sculpture.
Directors
Julie Dash is an American film director, writer and producer. Her 1991 feature Daughters of the Dust became the first full-length film directed by an African-American woman to obtain general theatrical release in the United States. Other works include Four Women, Illusions, and The Rosa Parks Story.
Gina Prince-Bythewood wrote and directed 2000’s Love and Basketball. Other works include The Secret Life of Bees, Beyond the Lights, and The Old Guard.
Ryan Kyle Coogler is an American film director, producer, and screenwriter. His first feature film, Fruitvale Station, won the top audience and grand jury awards in the U.S. dramatic competition at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. Other works include Black Panther, Creed l & ll, and Space Jam:
The 50 Best Films by Black Directors We must recognize that even with the financial and systemic odds stacked against them, black filmmakers have long been creating great and riveting stories on screen.
Contact your local/state representatives and let them know where you stand on issues, and VOTE. Even a losing vote sends a message of what’s important to people in the community:
Voting Measures Apps
An easy way for people to find their legislators and contact info:
Advocate for policy change
Commit to Becoming Antiracist and a Lifelong Learner:
Understand where you are in the process, where you may have blind spots AND work on them:
Continue to listen to leading activists on critical race topics
Take an Online Course:
Read:
- Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
- How to be Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi