Our recommendations include:
If you’d like to understand more about white privilege: Peggy McIntosh: White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack
If you’d like to understand more about the pain denying racism can cause: Reni Eddo-Lodge: Why I’m no longer talking to white people about race
If you’d like to understand more about the psychological impact of state-sanctioned violence towards black people: Alia E. Dastagir: When is the last time you saw a white person killed online?
If you’d like a primer on anti-racism and exactly how much you have to learn (from 2017 but very relevant): Ijeoma Olou: Welcome To The Anti-Racism Movement — Here’s What You’ve Missed
If you’d like guidance on how to deal with people who try to deflect the conversation or dictate the terms on which black people can protest: Rachel Miller: How to Talk to Relatives Who Care More About Looting Than Black Lives
Assata: An Autobiography by Assata Shakur. “Assata Shakur recounts the experiences that led her to a life of activism and portrays the strengths, weaknesses, and eventual demise of Black and White revolutionary groups at the hand of government officials.”
The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X, Alex Haley “He tells of his journey from a prison cell to Mecca, describing his transition from hoodlum to Muslim minister. Here, the man who called himself “the angriest Black man in America” relates how his conversion to true Islam helped him confront his rage and recognize the brotherhood of all mankind.”
How To Argue With A Racist by Adam Rutherford. “A weapon against the misuse of science to justify bigotry.”
A Marriage of Inconvenience: The Persecution of Ruth and Seretse Khama — a story of the triumph of Love. “This book leads readers through a journey of understanding their white privilege and participation in white supremacy, so that they can stop (often unconsciously) inflicting damage on black, indigenous and people of color, and in turn, help other white people do better, too. The book goes beyond the original workbook by adding more historical and cultural contexts, sharing moving stories and anecdotes, and includes expanded definitions, examples, and further resources”.
Me and white supremacy by Layla F Saad. “Layla Saad’s ME AND WHITE SUPREMACY is an indispensable resource for white people who want to challenge white supremacy but don’t know where to begin. She moves her readers from their heads into their hearts, and ultimately, into their practice. We won’t end white supremacy through an intellectual understanding alone; we must put that understanding into action”.
The Racial Equity Tools Glossary: A reference and definition of many of the terms you’ve heard about but not always understood. Note that language evolves and perspectives on the ‘right’ language are not always consistent, but this is a great primer on some of the core concepts in racial injustice.
A list of UK organisations dedicated to racial justice — possibly useful in finding ways to take action on Juneteenth:
