I haven't posted too much about what my accountability plan is and frankly, it's because I haven't decided what it is yet. I think I need more time to come up with something concrete. I really think I can't have a plan until I know more. So, in that spirit I am educating myself with as many books, movies, podcasts as I can find.



I saw on Ibram X. Kendi's instagram about demonstrating the power of black publishing this week by buying two books from black authors. It's not a complete list but wanted to share with you some of the ones I saw that looked particularly interesting for what I am hoping to learn and what I want to teach my daughter. Most of these books I saw on multiple sites so I was taking that as a sign as the most essential reading list. Here goes:


ADULT READING LIST

Redefining Realness by Janet Mock
An autobiography by Janet Mock, trans activist and woman of color.


A guide for readers on race and intersectionality, how to have hard conversations, affirmative action, etc

How to be an Anti Racist by Ibram X. Kendi
I have bought this one as an audiobook. Named one of the best books of the year by NYT. He talks about anti-racism through personal anecdotes and education

White Fragility by Robin Diangelo
I am terrified to read this book, which means I definitely should. She talks about defenses white people embody to maintain the status quo and what we can do about it

The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
Discusses mass incarceration and connection to increased jailing of Black people


Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi
Discusses the history of anti blackness and racism in America. This I downloaded on Spotify


An authority on the psychology of racism discusses the need for direct talk about racial divides


She discusses how white, middle class, evangelism has perpetuated racial hostility and how to confront apathy

Explores what was not talked about in racial history and racial inequities in Britain


Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
Tells the story of the black lawyer and starting the Equal Justice Initiative. An autobiography of the man they made the movie about

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KIDS/YOUTH

Antiracist Baby by Ibram X Kendi
He lays out nine easy steps for creating a more equitable world

Sulwe by Luptia Nyongo
Tells the story of Sulwe, a black girl with the darkest skin in her family and school. Through the story she learns to appreciate her beauty

Where are you from? by Yamiile Saied Mendez
A young girl is asked where is she from "really" and the story guides her through self-acceptance

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales
A story about migrant families and the things they bring with them including resilience

Mae Among the stars by Roda Ahmed
Tells the story of a young girl who dreams big an inspires little girls to do the same

Something Happened in Our Town by Marianne Celano
This follows two families in one town, one black and one white following a police shooting

Whose Knees are These by Jabari Asim
A board book for toddlers teaching them to love their knees

One Love by Cedella Marley
Told through the lyrics of the Bob Marley song of the same name, is the story of a little girl who inspires her neighborhood to work together

I am Enough by Grace Byers
A book about loving her who you, respecting others and being kind



That's my list for now. What is on your list to read for you or for your kids? I would love to add to this list





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