Day 20 - Mar 11

Antiracism, Allyship, Advocacy, and Activism

“We slaughter one another in our words and attitudes. We slaughter one another in the stereotypes and mistrust that linger in our heads, and the words of hate we spew from our lips.”

― Nelson Mandella

READ

We Stories -- Talking to Kids About Protesting: 5 Things I want my Kids to Know

This post shares five teaching points to share with young people about protesting. (short)

Guide to Allyship by Amélie Lamont

An open source starter guide to help you become a more thoughtful and effective ally. (short)

Continuum on Becoming an Anti-Racist, Multicultural Institution by Crossroads Ministry

A one-page chart that highlights the progression of organizations from monocultural to antiracist multicultural ones. (short)

LISTEN

The Longest Shortest Time: How to Not (Accidentally) Raise a Racist

Prompted a listener named Wanda to wonder how white parents talk to their kids about race—and she wrote in, asking us if we could put together an episode on what it sounds like when “white families get this right.” (48:00)

Creating Psychological Safety and Trust on Teams with Amy Edmondson

In Episode 99, Amy Edmondson, Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at the Harvard Business School, joins Melinda to discuss how leaders can build psychological safety and trust on their teams. They explore the benefits of a psychologically safe workplace, signs that may indicate if a workplace is safe, and how psychological safety enables innovation and positive team performance. They also discuss effective strategies for establishing and maintaining trust on diverse teams and in hybrid workplaces. (37:09)

WATCH

Rudine Sims on Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors

In this Reading Rockets video, Rudine Sims explains the metaphor she introduced in the 1990s as a way of thinking about diversity in young adult literature. (1:34)

What if White People Led the Charge to End Racism? TEDx by Dr. Nita Mosby Tyler

Diversity fatigue is real: people of color are tired of leading the fight. White allies are tired of being told they're doing it wrong. No wonder we don't have equity yet! In this inspiring talk, Dwinita Mosby-Tyler explains why we need "unlikely allies" in the fight for justice, and why people who are experiencing inequality first hand must be willing to accept the help. (11:00)

Beyond Activism: Four Decades of Social Justice by Asian Americans for Equality

For Asian Americans for Equality, it all began in the streets of Chinatown in 1974. Moved to action by a developer who refused to hire Asian workers for the massive Confucius Plaza construction project, local activists raised their voices, staged months of protests and finally prevailed. In so doing, they created a powerful grassroots movement that has endured for four decades. (19:00)

After San Beradino, this couple fought Islamophobia with Donuts and Conversation

Meet the couple who inspired the #AskAMuslim campaign. (4:30)

contains swear words

On Empathy by Dr. Brené Brown

What is the best way to ease someone's pain and suffering? In this beautifully animated RSA Short, Dr Brené Brown reminds us that we can only create a genuine empathic connection if we are brave enough to really get in touch with our own fragilities. (3:00)

EXTRAS

ACTION

Complete a Social Identity Wheel. Click here to access one with directions from United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

SONG

Our House is On Fire by Emma's Revolution

POEM

Calling on Silent Minorities by June Jordan

ART

Marie Watt (Seneca), Butterfly, 2015. Reclaimed wool blankets, satin binding, thread, cotton twill tape and tin jingles; 94 x 126 in.

REFLECTION FOR THE DAY

Each individual can take actions and make changes. Who else is going to challenge that family relative with racist ideas who uses stereotypical language, if not you? What action could you commit to doing on a daily basis? This week? When we work together we can make larger changes in the system. What action could you commit to with your colleagues, friends, or family?

After today's challenge work:

Did you have any ‘a-ha’ moment?

Did you feel any discomfort?

What will you do differently based on your challenge today?

Today

Final Reflection

Report a Broken Link

Suggestions for Future Content