Start Here

If you're new to anti-racism work or just want a quick dive into helpful resources, start here. These resources are some of our favorites. Then, when you're ready, check out the longer Resource List page for more information, organized by topic.

Some quick guidance:

• Do NOT ask a person of color to explain things to you or tell you what you should do. Use the list below instead and lean on your white community in this work. 
• Approach this work with an open mind and an open heart. You will struggle. You will feel defensive, guilty, fragile, etc. Take care of yourself through the work. Take breaks. But always return. This work is a marathon that will be life-long.
• If you ever think you have become "woke" then you have so much more to learn. There is ALWAYS more to learn. Never stop listening and learning. There is always more work to be done.
• Discovering racist biases in yourself is normal. Our society has trained all of us to internalize racism. Having racist biases does not make you a bad person. Own it and own the power and privilege that systemic racism gives you. And then use that power and privilege to dismantle the system. Because it harms each and every one of us.
• There are so many ways we can address systemic racism that it feels overwhelming sometimes. You don't have to do it all. Just pick something you know you can do, and do it.

Privilege Awareness Exercise (developed by Emily Vincent in February 2021)

GUIDANCE FOR WHITE PEOPLE IN ANTI-RACIST WORK:
This post from Rachel Elizabeth Cargle (October 1, 2019)
This post from Alicia Garza (May 27, 2020)
"Curriculum for White Americans to Educate Themselves on Race and Racism - from Ferguson to Charleston" by Jon Greenberg (July 10, 2015)
"Six Things White People Can Do To Reach Friends and Family Members to End Racism" by Kimberly Dark (August 13, 2017)
"For Our White Friends Desiring To Be Allies" by Courtney Ariel (August 16, 2017)
"How White People Can Hold Each Other Accountable to Stop Institutional Racism" by Elly Belle (August 2, 2019)
"White people are still raised to be racially illiterate. If we don't recognize the system, our inaction will uphold it." by Robin DiAngelo (September 16, 2018)
"9 Phrases Allies Can Say When Called Out Instead of Getting Defensive" by Sam Dylan Finch (May 29, 2017)
"75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice" by Corinne Shutack (August 13, 2017)

"First, Listen. Then, Learn: Anti-Racism Resources For White People" by Julia Wuench (June 2, 2020)

White Supremacy Culture by Tema Okun


BOOKS TO READ:
The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee
So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
How To Be An Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi
"10 Books About Race To Read Instead Of Asking A Person Of Color To Explain Things To You" by Sadie Trombetta (March 20, 2018)


PEOPLE/SOURCES TO FOLLOW (JUST LISTEN):
Black Lives Matter
The Root
MPower Change
Color of Change
Leslie Mac
Nikole Hannah-Jones
Mijente
NAACP
Rachel Elizabeth Cargle


PODCASTS TO LISTEN TO:
Code Switch (NPR)
Scene on Radio's Seeing White series
The 1619 Project podcast
Nice White Parents (New York Times)
Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America (Vox)


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Learning for Justice
The 1619 Project
Southern Poverty Law Center's "Ten Ways To Fight Hate: A Community Response Guide"
Poor People's Campaign
"Opportunities for White People in the Fight for Racial Justice"
Showing Up For Racial Justice (SURJ)
Enbrace Race
"Anti-racism resources for white people"
Talking About Race from the National Museum of African American History & Culture