Anti-Racism for Readers
Readers have a powerful role in helping make sure this movement for racial justice lasts for generations. Stories can help us see perspectives outside our own experiences, and give us the language to combat injustice. While social change can’t happen strictly on our bookshelves, storytelling is an important tool as we build a more compassionate world. Here are a few steps we can take as readers to fight racism:
With so many reading lists and movie recommendations on anti-racism, it can be tough to know where to begin. This chart can guide you to specific titles based on questions you may have about white supremacy and offers prompts for self-reflection.
Enroll in Rachel Cargle’s free self-guided course on anti-racism, The Great Unlearn. You can also check out her work on Patreon.
Remember to seek novels, movies, and art by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) that do not center around violence or oppression. Read and review our work, request our books for your local library, and follow us on social media.
Follow the #WeNeedDiverseBooks and #OwnVoices campaigns on social media to learn more about representation in publishing and read stories about social issues by the people most affected by them.
Studies show that racial bias can develop as early as age 2. We can help challenge these thoughts by sharing diverse books with children and families. This recommended reading list includes picture book titles for children, as well as YA books for teens and older readers.
Divest from Amazon. In addition to impacting independent bookshops and small businesses, Amazon’s abuses of power includes profiting from ICE violence, driving the housing crisis, contributing to the police state, as well as driving its warehouse workers to injury. Instead, support your local independent and Black-owned bookstores. You can also shop online at Bookshop.org. I’ve created an affiliate account where all proceeds go to different causes I care about, starting with the Marsha P. Johnson Institute.
Register to vote and fill out your census—John Oliver has a great segment on why the census is important.
These are a few of the practices I’ve been following over the years, as well as some I’ve recently incorporated into my reading habits. What about you? Let me know in the comments!