The last few weeks our eyes have been focused on racism in this country. The protests for BLM have spread through the world and it is time we talk about what we can do about this.
Many clients have brought up their frustration, fear, sadness, and anger over a system that feels broken and a sense of helplessness as to how to help. I feel it too but I do think there are ways we can grow and change during this time of unrest. Ways to stand with our community, our friends, our family, our neighbors, our coworkers, even strangers. Together we can amplify those voices which have been dismissed and ignored for decades.
Self reflection and growth
Chart adapted by Andrew M. Ibrahim MD
One place to start is to educate yourself. It’s important to understand systemic racism, history, and issues facing BIPOC.
Here are some books you can read and videos you can watch to help grow you understanding and knowledge:
Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People by Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald
The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
https://www.womenofcolorforprogress.org/allyguide
https://www.ted.com/talks/luvvie_ajayi_get_comfortable_with_being_uncomfortable
https://youtu.be/TzuOlyyQlug
https://youtu.be/kzLT54QjclA
There are also several movies and TV shows available to stream on Netflix and Hulu:
13th (Ava DuVernay) — Netflix
American Son (Kenny Leon) — Netflix
Dear White People (Justin Simien) — Netflix
If Beale Street Could Talk (Barry Jenkins) — Hulu
See You Yesterday (Stefon Bristol) — Netflix
When They See Us (Ava DuVernay) — Netflix
Allow yourself time to reflect on your own biases. What you were taught growing up, what you believe now, recognizing that there is room to grow and change if you choose to.