White Supremacist rhetoric and violence is on the rise in this country. This endangers all of our lives and the life of the planet but black and indigenous people and all people of color are on the front lines. We need to continue to build our capacity work against white supremacy everywhere that it shows up to be able to fully support and work for justice and equality. Working through the ways we have internalized white supremacy and perpetuate it ourselves, especially for those of us who are white, as well as learning about and practicing effective ways of interrupting racism and white supremacy when we encounter it is critical to ensuring we all have the future we deserve.
Below please find some resources I have found transformative. Click on images to go to the links.
My Grandmother’s Hands by ReSmaa Menakem, msw, licsw, sep
The first self-discovery book to examine white body supremacy in America from the perspective of trauma and body-center psychology.
I’ve found Twin Cities-based therapist Resmaa Menakem’s words and approach transformative. Specifically engaging the trauma that Black Americans, white Americans, and law enforcement have related to race, the book is full of perspectives I had not previously been exposed to that explain how racism happens before the conscious brain gets involved, so therefore must be addressed on the level of embodied practice. It’s full invaluable exercises that support body-consciousness and awareness, settling one’s system, and connecting with others.
Me and supremacy: A 28-Day Challenge to Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor by layla F. Saad
I found Layla F. Saad’s journal prompts aimed at people who hold white privilege a great way to bring into my conscious understanding ways I was and might have been perpetuating white supremacy unconsciously. Rigorous self-reflection is critical to anti-racist practice and this book is such an incredible resource to support it! Highly recommended!
The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond (PISAB)’s Undoing Racism workshop
I learned so much at this workshop! This is a great starting place for anyone to sharpen their understanding of what racism really is, how it operates, and how that relates to them and their livelihood. This workshop is critical to take for anyone committed to work for equity and is a great workshop to take with colleagues and coworkers!
Showing Up For Racial Justice (SURJ)
SURJ is a national network of groups and individuals working to undermine white supremacy and to work toward racial justice. Through community organizing, mobilizing, and education, SURJ moves white people to act as part of a multi-racial majority for justice with passion and accountability.
SURJ is chapter-based. Check out the chapter near you to connect with other folks committed to getting in formation to support people of color-led campaigns for racial justice and fighting white supremacy in white communities!