Evolution is a personal decision.
This year it is no exception. I am interested in joining the Black Lives Matter (BLM) conversation to expand my knowledge and support the movement. Below are a few books of recommended readings to listen and learn.
We are better together.
The Color Of Law by Richard Rothstein
In The Color of Law, Richard Rothstein describes how government policies at the local, state, and federal levels have segregated America. With many major cities still impacted by those policies today.
Buy The Color of Law here.
How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
In How to be an Antiracist, Kendi touches on a combination of history, science, ethics and law. Bringing them together in an engaging novel. Kendi shifts the narrative by asking the reader what an antiracist society might look like. And more importantly, how we can go beyond racism to form a true equitable society.
Get your copy of How to Be An Antiracist.
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
A young black girl, Pecola prays for beauty. Bullied by other children for her dark skin, curly hair, and brown eyes, she wishes for blond hair and blue eyes. She wishes to be ‘normal’. This novel examines the obsession with beauty and sparks many thought provoking questions about race, class, and gender.
Add The Bluest Eye to your reading list.
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Written as a letter to his adolescent son, Ta-Nehisi Coates’ shares with readers, the story of how he learned of his place in the world. Told through his own experiences. This a novel that illuminates on the past, present and future.
Find Between the World and Me here.
Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria by Beverly Daniel Tatum
Beverly Daniel Tatum, a renowned authority on the psychology of racism believes speaking to children about racism will avoid raising color-conscious children. Tatum argues enabling communication across racial and ethnic divides at an early age, has the power to aid the global conversation on race.
Grab Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria here.
P.S. I watched I Am Not Your Negro yesterday on Amazon Prime. It was a riveting documentary. Narrated by Samuel Jackson, it details James Baldwin (author of If Beale Street Could Talk) experiences with civil right leaders, as told by him. His unfinished manuscript, Remember This House drives the documentary.
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