March 14, 2021 in Blog by Dee

ANTIRACISM RESOURCES FOR THE FAMILY

By: Amethyst J., Families First Hospital Response Volunteer

Families First believes in helping our community through life’s challenges and changes. We believe in helping people deal with issues that are too tough to tackle alone. For us, standing with the Black community in the fight against racial injustice means sharing resources that can help your family start or further conversations about race, racism, and anti-racism.

REFLECT & LEARN

To earnestly begin anti-racist work, explore your own biases and personal contributions to racism, then further your understanding of American History and systemic racism.

• Harvard’s Implicit Bias Test – Understand your unconscious bias
• National Museum of African American History & Culture’s Talking About Race – Get tools and guidance to support conversations about race
• Starter List of Books, Films, & Podcasts about Racism – Unpack systemic racism through multiple platforms
  • Brain Lair Books – Consider supporting a Black-owned, local bookstore if you are purchasing books. They have curated antiracist booklists online.
  • Libby App – Virtually borrow and read popular ebooks and audiobooks for free using your local library card. They also have curated antiracist booklists.
  • Community Created Anti-Racist Reading List – More books for furthering your antiracist journey.

TALKING WITH & MODELING FOR CHILDREN

Children learn about race from what they see and hear, including silence around injustices. Being anti-racist means actively fighting against racist systems and ideas.

• EmbraceRace – Collections of resources for parents to raise children who are thoughtful and informed about race
• Black Lives Matter Instructional Library – A collection of clickable children’s books with links to Read-Aloud videos
• Sesame Street’s “Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism” Townhall – A special program for children and families to teach about racism and how to act against it
• SocialJusticeBooks.org – Curated lists of books about social justice
• Age-by-Age Anti-Racism Guide – Tips from experts about discussing race based on a child’s age

TAKE ACTION

Vote for, support, and connect with politicians and organizations fighting for systemic change.

• Vote – Register to vote if you have not already, and vote for candidates supporting antiracist policies.
• Equal Justice Initiative – Work to end mass incarceration, excessive punishment, and racial inequity.
• Campaign Zero (and the 8 Can’t Wait project) – Research-based policy solutions to end police brutality in America
• Color of Change – Online racial justice organization

Remember, first understand how you can contribute, then take action. From there, build habits and behaviors that keep your anti-racist work going, but remember to take breaks and care for your mental health. This keeps your work sustainable.

TOGETHER WE CAN WORK TOWARD SOCIAL JUSTICE.