Over at Step Up: Equity Matters we like to take action. It is why we engage in change work: to share our lived and professional experiences with others and guide them along their journey toward equity. You are probably familiar with our framework by now. Recognize, Own, Disrupt. In addition to these verbs, another term associated with our work is anti-racism. Anti-racism is the practice of recognizing the historical impacts of systemic racism and actively working to dismantle racial inequities; on both an interpersonal and institutional level. Anti-racism is accepting that racism is everyone’s problem, which needs to be resolved through intentional action.
During Black History Month, we invite you to take intentional action! Those of us who identify as white, or non-Black people of color, bear the responsibility to educate ourselves because history is told from the perspective of people in the dominant culture.
Challenge yourself to learn something new every day about Black History by reading the work of Black scholars, Black leaders, and Black activists. Below we have created a short and impactful list of resources and points of reflection for your engagement. Feel free to share additional resources with us by emailing us at hello@stepupforequity.com
Resources:
#APeoplesJourney: African American Women and the Struggle for Equality
History Alive! Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: The Last Five Years
Reflection:
What is something new that you learned?
What challenged the version of history you were taught?
What surprised you the most?
What feelings does learning more about this part of American history elicit?