My Top 4 Books of 2020 for Unlearning Racism
It's time for a resource roundup! I want to share with you some books that have changed my life and my perspective as a human, a healer, and an activist. Working in mental health and wellness, some of the most crucial conversations are around what shapes our identities and the aspects of our society that create or perpetuate harm, internally and externally. We can't even begin to discuss emotional wellbeing until we've unpacked the many forms of trauma we face that often go unrecognized from systems that seek to uphold an immensely narrow definition of "normal". That's why I spend a lot of time "unlearning", and focusing specifically on anti-racist education.
If you're here, you likely know that Anti-racist work is not about a black square on instagram or personal growth for white folks. Anti-racist work, for me, is about reclaiming our humanity and learning how to be with each other in a way that honors our unique and shared experiences. While my biggest growth has happened through trainings and mentorship with deeply embodied anti-racist educators, we all start somewhere - there's no shame in that! No call-outs or virtue signaling here, no guilt or justifications needed, we're all just learning how to be messy humans together. These are the books that have impacted me deeply, so if you resonate or want to explore, add them to your holiday shopping list this year.
1. My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Manakem
"White supremacy — and all the claims, accusations, excuses, and dodges that surround it — are a trauma response. This response lives not inside psyches, but deep within bodies. The attitudes, convictions, and beliefs of white-body supremacy are reflexive cognitive side effects, like the belief of a claustrophobe that the walls are closing in. These ideas have been reinforced through institutions as practice, procedures, and standards." - Resmaa Manakem
Resmaa powerfully re-situates racism in the context of trauma and explores how racism and white-body supremacy impacts our bodies, minds, and humanity. It's a brilliant pathway for those who were taught to only explore racism as a mental construct, bringing all of us wholely back into ourselves.
Want a snip bit? Read his article: White Supremacy as a Trauma Response
2. Between The World And Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
“They made us into a race. We made ourselves into a people. And what did that mean for the Dreamers I’d seen as a child? Could I ever want to get into the world they made? No. I was born among a people, Samori, and in that realization I knew that I was out of something. It was the psychosis of questioning myself, of constantly wondering if I could measure up. But the whole theory was wrong, their whole notion of race was wrong. And apprehending that, I felt my first measure of freedom. ” - Ta-Nehisi Coates
This is a short read in the form of a heart wrenching and beautiful letter from a father to a son. This book marked my first deep step into anti-racist work back in 2015, and I am forever grateful to this writer for sharing his story. It's accessible, not heady, and goes straight to heart.
Want a snip bit? Read this article Between The World and Me
3. White Fragility: Why It's So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
“While anti-racist efforts ultimately seek to transform institutionalized racism, anti-racist education may be most effective by starting at the micro level. The goal is to generate the development of perspectives and skills that enable all people, regardless of racial location, to be active initiators of change. Since all individuals who live within a racist system are enmeshed in its relations, this means that all are responsible for either perpetuating or transforming that system. However, although all individuals play a role in keeping the system active, the responsibility for change is not equally shared. White racism is ultimately a white problem and the burden for interrupting it belongs to white people.” - Robin DiAngelo
Robin is a brilliant teacher who makes her research on critical discourse and the ways racism is often invisibly perpetuated accessible to all. She teaches from experience as a white woman, with humility and grace. This book is the perfect mix of information and narrative, wrapped into a humbling manifesto for white folks to transform ourselves and how we talk about racism.
Want a snip bit? Read this article White Fragility
4. Lead From The Outside by Stacy Abrams
“Like most who are underestimated, I have learned to over-perform and find soft but key ways to take credit. Because ultimately, leadership and power require the confidence to effectively wield both” - Stacy Abrams
Stacy Abrams is the leader and mentor I've always wanted. Her work in Georgia politics, voting rights activism, and leadership development is highly motivating. This book doesn't address racism in the typical way, but is rather a call for fellow young and minority leaders of all kinds to step up to the plate. Using her own experiences, she gives amazing advice and anecdotes that are deeply encouraging and hopeful.
More resources:
How Racism shows up in mental health [video]
8 Anti-Racist Workshops [list]