When were you taught about race and culture? There is no right answer, it’s just a question of reflection. The truth is, race and culture that differs from our own is something we should learn about on a daily basis. There are so many things that we don’t know, and could never understand, unless we take the time to pause, listen, and learn.
As members of a community, we believe it’s important to come together in support of a future filled with equality to create a safe and cohesive environment for us all to enjoy.
We’ve compiled a list of resources to help you educate yourself and others, as well as organizations you can support, and actions you can take today.
Books and Resources:
- Katie Couric provided a detailed list of books, podcasts, and movies.
- This Anti-Racist Resource Guide is a great place to start for anyone looking to broaden their horizons and understand anti-racism.
- Black Lives Matter has released a comprehensive list of books and articles that are available online.
- Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates is a reflection on the racial injustice that has plagued our nation and which we continue to fight today. Read an excerpt from The Atlantic.
- Gold Womyn has compiled a library of free books and essays featuring Black feminists.
- White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo details the phenomenon of white fragility and allows us to understand racism is not restricted to “bad people.”
- Thick and Other Essays by Tressie McMillan Cottom sheds light on identity and beauty standards of the Black woman in America.
- How to be Anti-Racist by Ibram X Kendi. Kendi gives a clear and compelling way to approach the issue, and how we can all strive to be fully human and see others as fully human.
For Educating Kids:
- The New York Times created a list of kid-friendly books to help you explain racism and protest to your kids.
- On Saturday, June 5, Sesame Street and CNN will be doing a town hall to discuss racism and protest. This hour-long show will also be recorded and available online.
- Your kids aren’t too young to talk about race. This roundup provides several resources for both adults and children to start this conversation together.
Actions You Can Take:
- Register to Vote. By voting you help determine who the leaders are nationally and locally. Take a moment today to see who is running in your local community, and why you should support them. Registering to vote only takes two minutes, but its impact on the community is imperative.
- Complete the 2020 Census. Make sure every person is accounted for in Orange County. The Census helps determine how federal funding is dispersed into states and communities, as well as how many representative seats each state receives.
- Sign a Petition.
- Support a Local Black-Owned Business. Community members have compiled a list of Black-owned businesses currently open during COVID-19, as well as a list of businesses organized by industry. Additionally, Orange Coast Magazine has provided a list of Black-owned businesses and organizations to support.
- Follow @BlkLivesMatter, and @NAACP to stay informed and connected to the cause.
Donate to a Cause
- The National Lawyers Guild provides legal support to activists, protestors, and movements for social change.
- Defending Black Lives offers support and ways to join together against police brutality.
- Campaign Zero is a police reform campaign that proposes research-based solutions to end police brutality.
- Black Lives Matter Los Angeles is a movement and ongoing fight to end state-sanctioned violence.
Pro-Tip: Before making a donation, check to see if your company offers a matching gift program where they match your donation amount!
Our team at I Heart Old Towne Orange believes that working together, we can support the community and that we can indeed bring about positive change!
Last Updated on May 24, 2023 by Pattie Cordova
