United We Stand, Divided We Fall
These are unsettling times for us, as humans. Although blatant racism and prejudice are front and center now, they are something that the Black community has been dealing with for centuries.
Racism is a public health crisis.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
For me, waiting for the perfect words is as senseless as this racism, injustice and discrimination. I’ve realized that being afraid of saying the “wrong” thing or not enough is an excuse.
I do not have the perfect words to respond to such unjust acts, but I do have an obligation as a fellow human to be part of the solution to racial inequality. Personally and professionally as a Nurse and owner of Nurisng Your Way to Wellness, I promise to be an ally and advocate. I promise to continue to educate myself more, support people of color more, especially in wellness, and continue to find ways to actively participate in antiracism and anti-violent events and activism. This is not about politics or religion, but about HUMAN beings.
In order to do better and learn more, below are some resources that I have found helpful and powerful, as I hope you will, too. Knowledge is power. These are certainly not the cure, but they are a START to advocating for the change that we so badly need.
Books to read:
These some of the most popular anti-racism books, written by Black authors. Also, instead of ordering on Amazon, consider buying them from a Black-owned bookstore. Even though many brick-and-mortar stores are still closed due to the pandemic, many are sending out online orders. Shopping small helps support small business owners and local economies.
“Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates
“How to Be An Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi
“Me and White Supremacy” by Layla F. Saad
“A Terrible Thing to Waste: Environmental Racism and Its Assault on the American Mind.” by Harriet A. Washington
“When They Call You a Terrorist” by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and Asha bandele
“So You Want to Talk About Race” by Ijeoma Oluo
“Why are All The Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations About Race” by Beverly Daniel Tatum
“The Hate You Give” by Angie Thomas
Children’s Books:
“Little Leaders: Bold Women” in Black History by Vashti Harrison
“Lovely” by Jess Hong
“Chocolate Milk, Por Favor: Celebrating Diversity with Empathy” by Maria Dismondy.
“Saturday” by Oge Mora
“All Are Welcome” by Alexandra Penfold
“Each Kindness” by Jacqueline Woodson
Donations can be made (and educational resources found):
Petitions to sign:
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/justice-george-floyd-0
https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/repeal-50-a
Documentaries and Movies to watch:
We Are The Giant
Dear White People
13th
I am Not Your Negro
Explained: The Racial Wealth Gap
Quest
Westwind: Djalu’s Legacy
Let’s Get To The Root of Racial Injustice (TED talk by Megan Francis)
Lastly, use your voice and VOTE!
Voting info and election dates can be found here.
When we know better we must do better.
This is a very overwhelming, sensitive, and REAL matter, but doing our part, whatever that looks like to each of us, makes a difference.
I hope this helps by offering you some resources and ways to stand up to effect change.
It’s important to me to check in with you to see how you are doing. I’d like to know what actions have felt right for you to take. >>> Please let me know below, along with any additional resources you’ve found particularly powerful/helpful!
Join me in continuing the fight for justice and equality. Join me in doing better.
