In a powerful email from Equity in the Center on January 13, they provide a wealth of resources as we navigate the ongoing surge of violence stemming from structural racism:
“Please stop saying this is not America, or we are better than this. America was founded on the violent taking of land and reliance on chattel slavery by white supremacist slave owners who documented their plan to commit genocide on Indigenous people. Just over 50 years ago, white police officers violently hosed and beat people trying to stand up for their basic rights and continue to do so. This is the only America some of us know.”
Amanda Andere, EiC Board Member and CEO, Funders Together to End Homelessness
EiC Advisors & Colleagues
A week ago, a mob of white people loyal to the president attempted a coup. They are the embodiment of America’s centuries-long legacy of mob violence and domestic terrorism designed to consolidate and preserve white power and supremacy. This is who we have always been beneath the veneer of American exceptionalism, liberty and justice for all.
We have tried for centuries to tell y’all.
Every day, Indigenous people and Black people exist on a “continuum between hope and terror” (as Shayna Hammond describes it) that was forged in the cradle of American democracy. The horrifying and shameful root of that terror, white supremacy, was laid bare on live television last week.
Colleagues have asked how to begin a workplace dialogue about what happened and how we got here. Now, as always, it is critically important for white allies, in solidarity with Black people and people of color, to condemn and begin to dismantle a system of oppression that sanctifies the value of white lives above all other humans.
Below, you will find a list of resources we hope will aid in this effort.
Wellness, solidarity and safety,
Kerrien Suarez
Executive Director
Articles on Current Events & Structural Racism/White Supremacy
This is the America that Black People Know
We’ve Seen the Ugly Truth About America
The Capitol Riot Was an Attack on Multiracial Democracy
The Inaction of Capitol Police Was by Design
Hidden in Plain Sight: Racism, White Supremacy, and Far-Right Militancy in Law Enforcement
Democracy is a threat to white supremacy—and that is the cause of America’s crisis
Norms to Guide Discussion of Current Events
Communication Guidelines for a Brave Space
Group Norms for Breakthrough Social Change
Resources to Support Action/Activism
When We Build Power, Expect Resistance. Actions in Support of the Movement for Black Lives
Dismantling Anti-Black Bias in Democratic Workplaces: A Toolkit
Trauma and healing resources from Racial Equity Tools
We saw important social activism last year. Here’s how to maintain it in 2021
Woke@Work blog on centering Indigenous and Black leadership
Resources for schools and communities in times of crisis
So You Want to be a White Ally. Healing from white supremacy
Showing Up for Racial Justice: End white silence
Documentaries/Podcasts/Webinars
Screening and panel discussion of Dawnland, which documents the first official “truth and reconciliation commission” in the United States. The commission grapples with difficult truths, redefines reconciliation, and charts a new course for state and tribal relations in Maine. Register here for the 1/28/21 at 7pm ET webinar.
Showing Up For Racial Justice (SURJ) webinar: White Backlash: why it happens and how we fight back. Register here for the 1/13/21 at 8pm ET webinar.
In November 2020, Desiree Adaway and Ericka Hines led Bracing for Impact, a webinar designed to help folks prepare for what we knew would be a volatile political period. If you missed it the first time or need a refresher, watch the replay HERE. If you prefer to listen like a podcast, you can do that HERE.
What is Your Role? Inclusive Life’s Understanding the Ecosystem of Social Change and Where You Fit In with Deepa Iyer. Listen to the podcast here.