Anti-Racism Reading List March 2024

“The psychological and emotional toll related to hair discrimination is massive for Black youth, [but] gets rarely classified as anti-Black racism. Black people’s experiences of state-sanctioned violence are so severe that cases of hair discrimination are peripheral to extreme cases of police brutality against Black bodies, but they are [also] violent and disturbing. It is important to see that hair discrimination and police brutality are products of the same system.”

“My son is presumed to be white but rather than accept his “whiteness” and the lie that his skin color tells the world who he is, to whom he belongs or how he should challenge casteism, my husband and I have chosen to raise him to know his totality.”

“Here's the thing, there are enough White people who are knowingly and unknowingly benefiting from the system of privilege racism has created. So, there is enough reason to say racism and prejudice are a matter of concern for the entirety of the group as they are all benefiting..”

“What power are you giving to the people and words being spoken around you? Not speaking up or talking does not mean you’re not taking a side.”

“The very fact that most White people admit that they would need to be paid tens of millions of dollars to live their lives as a Black person indicates that they realize, on some level, that Black people are treated worse than White people.”

“While the research found that the longer Black employees stay on the job while being monitored, the less likely they are to be fired, heavy scrutiny doesn’t come with much upside. That’s because, in most occupations, bosses aren’t monitoring workers for promotions. Instead, managers are trying to determine whether that worker should remain employed.”

“The significance of Knopf's publishing of Black history books is immense. By giving a voice to Black authors and stories, Knopf helped in shaping a more inclusive understanding of American history and culture. These publications have been instrumental in educating generations about the experiences, struggles, and contributions of Black Americans. They have also played a role in challenging stereotypes and fostering a deeper understanding and respect for racial diversity.”

“The chances that you might face obstacles others do not are high. That's why having a support system is so incredibly important. Find the people who support you on this level, and reach out to them with regularity. Women who strive to be at the top of their field or game often are independent, competitive and strong. But know that your strength lies in your support system as much as it does in your own internal resources.”

“‘Not racism’ goes beyond the denial of people’s experience; it is an ahistorical redefinition of racism from the perspective of those who benefit from current racial arrangements under white supremacy. ‘Not racism’ is a form of discursive racist violence.”

“I often feel that Black Americans understand white American systems and individuals better than they understand themselves. You see, expecting no repercussions for Trump is not born of cynicism, but an understanding of America’s historical dance with whiteness, power, violence, and impunity..”