To ensure this is a movement, not just a moment, non-black folks need to do the work of unlearning and divesting from white privilege and racism. While many might not be aware of racism, understanding our complicity (whether intentional or unintentional) in oppressive systems is essential to changing the current conditions. It’s okay to not know enough, however, if that’s the case, it is also your responsibility to educate yourself. Here are some of the resources, articles, individuals, and organizations that we’ve been learning from. We must fight for racial justice and equality together. There is a lot of work that needs to be done outside of some hashtags. If you know of any additional resources, people, or organizations that are helping the cause, please share them.
Not Just an American Issue: Racism is in Canada Too
Learn more about the historical context of racial segregation of black people in Canada:
- Black Enslavement in Canada
- Racial Segregation of Black People in Canada
- The Arrival of Black Loyalists in Nova Scotia
Racism is not a problem that only exists in one country but all over the world. Here are some stories highlighting ongoing systemic and everyday racism in Canada:
- Police brutality continually treated like a ‘one-off’ in Canada says Desmond Cole
- What’s it like to be black in Canada? Under policing, it’s hell, says Desmond Cole
- Canada has race-based police violence too. We don’t know how much
- Human Rights Commission releases ‘unprecedented’ report on racial profiling by Toronto police
Although there are many protests happening in the US, there are also protests happening across Canada. See what’s been happening by clicking here.
Take Responsibility for Educating Yourself
Understanding that racism exists is one thing, delving deeper into how it can be undone and the ways it intersects with other factors such as gender and sexuality is essential. Here are a few articles on thinking more critically about whiteness, racism, and racialized and gendered violence: Why You Need To Stop Saying “All Lives Matter”
Author Robyn Maynard, who wrote this important book, Policing Black Lives: State Violence in Canada from Slavery to the Present, also wrote this shorter piece specifically about the policing of black women in Canada.
It’s time to start thinking more about deconstructing whiteness and white identity (particularly if you are a white person or white passing). For a break down and education on White Privilege see this post by @theconciouskid. Listen to this talk by author of “I’m Still Here,” Austin Channing Brown with Brene Brown or her conversational lecture on her work.
Social Media
Individuals, groups and organizations on social media have shared lots of resources and knowledge about how to fight racism. Here are some of the accounts we have, and continue to, learned from. This list is by no means complete but these are some of the amazing accounts out there. Please share what you find with others.
- @policingblack
- @rachel.cargle
- @laylafsaad
- @streetvoicesto
- @ibramxk
- @ckyourprivilege
- @thewokecoach
- @luvvie
- @faitthb
- @beabridgebuilder
- @ogorchukwuu
- @theconciouskid (includes books and resources for parents on how to talk to your children about racism and privilege)
The Next Generation
Teaching your kids at home right now? Here are several compilations of resources for teaching social justice to kids:
- 21 Free Resources for Teaching Social Justice in the Classroom
- 7 Ways to Highlight Resistance Efforts When Discussing Oppression With Children
- Raising Race Conscious Children: A Resource For Talking About Race With Young Children
Video and films
- Time: The Kalief Browder Story (Netflix)
- 13th (Netflix)
- I Am Not Your Negro (YouTube)
- What Happens When I Try To Talk Race With White People (YouTube)
- The Skin I’m In by Desmond Cole (CBC Gem)
Actions, Not Just Words
Millions of people posted a black square on Instagram this past Tuesday. But pushing past performative, albeit well-intentioned actions, is essential to changing the current circumstances. Here are some actionable steps. If you are looking for some specific posts on what can do right now, organizations to support, and statements to reflect on, here are a few:
- Ways to Support The Resistance From Your Couch
- Dos and Don’ts of How To Ally
- 10 Steps to Non-Optical Allyship: If You Are White And Anti-Racist, This Non-Optical Allyship Guide is Required Reading
- Anti-Blackness is a Global Pandemic
- How to Be an Antiracist
- Racial Gaslighting
- How To Be A Better Friend to Black Women
Donate
If you are able to donate money or support black owned businesses, here are some places to consider:
- Black organizations and fundraisers you can support in Vancouver and British Columbia.
- Black Owned Restaurants, Bakeries, and Grocery Stores in Toronto
- Black Lives Matter Canada
- Black Lives Matter Petition
- Black Lives Matter
- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
- Check out these lists of Black Organizations and Anti-Racist Groups Canadians Can Support Now and 14 Canadian Organizations to Donate to in the Fight Against Anti-Black Racism for more options.
Keep Learning
Here are some more resources that you can continue learning from:
- An Essential Anti-Racist Reading List
- 7 Anti-Racist Books Recommended by Educators and Activists
- Desmond Cole – The Skin We’re In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power
- Robyn Maynard –Policing Black Lives: State Violence in Canada from Slavery to the Present
- Austin Channing Brown- I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness
- W.E.B .Du Bois- The Souls of Black Folk
- Ibram X. Kendi- How to Be An Antiracist
- Michael Bennet and Dave Zirin- Things That Make White People Uncomfortable
Many of us are currently delving deep into learning and unlearning at this time. Let’s listen, share resources, do the individual work, and amplify melanated voices!
Photo Credit: black_tux
