Hey Friendly @here,
Watching the uprisings across the country this week, and feeling a deep intertwined uncomfort at my own privilege and comfortable position, I am looking for ways to contribute that aren't simply idle cheerleading and amplification [1], and that reach further than simple bail fund donations [2].
[1]: which is perfectly fine, of course, but Twitter isn't action [2]: which, if you can, do: https://www.communityjusticeexchange.org/nbfn-directory
One piece of advice I've seen handed around is that it's my job, as a relatively rich white person, as a person who is allowed to systemically ignore issues of justice in the world around me, to educate myself and those around me on "what's going on", and that I can't expect POC to do that work for me.
So, I'd like to invite whomever would like to join to read some books I've seen mentioned, starting with:
Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B017QL8WV4/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_cHN1EbQHFWQEB
and
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07638ZFN1/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_siO1Eb7WEEXT9
If you'd like to join me, ping me here and I'll coordinate discussion, dates, etc. I'm buying the books today, on Kindle, so I can run at this whenever.
If you'd like to join and for whatever reason can't pay for the book, please let me know. I absolutely can pick up copies for people.
Thanks, y'all, and be safe.