Resources for Change
A+E Networks stands united with the African American community, and all communities of color, as we work toward a world free of brutality, racism and injustice. The killing of George Floyd, and so many others before him, has shown that the need for change in our society is ever more urgent.
Everyone can play a role in making change: Read about racism and the history of inequality. Have conversations about the issues. If you can, support organizations that are contributing to solutions.
Organizations We Support
Below are three leading organizations in the fight for racial justice in America. A+E Networks is making donations to support their critical work.
ADDITIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND RESOURCES
READING/RESOURCES FOR CONVERSATION
Articles to Read
- The New Yorker: Bryan Stevenson on the Frustration Behind the George Floyd Protests
- Los Angeles Times: Op-Ed: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Don’t Understand the Protests? What You’re Seeing is People Pushed to the Edge
- Ms.: Eight Recommended Books by Women to Understand the Uprisings
- The New York Times: An Antiracist Reading List
- HISTORY.com: Civil Rights Movement Timeline
- HISTORY.com: Black History
Books to Read
- So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo: In this New York Times bestseller, Ijeoma Oluo offers a hard-hitting but user-friendly examination of race in America.
- Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi
- Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners: Books for Children and Young Adults
- 31 Children’s Books to Support Conversations on Race, Racism and Resistance
Having Conversations about Race and Racism: Facilitation Guidelines
Acknowledgment and understanding are key to beginning conversations on racism and bias. These guidelines are focused on acknowledging and understanding these issues, to help all of us start talking and explore efforts that help make progress.
- These conversations can be formal or informal, but the important part is that everyone finds a supportive environment to talk.
- Parents, educators and facilitators can start conversations by presenting some guidelines formally or informally that move the dialogue forward.
- Don’t just call people out; call them in. Try to build bridges for future conversations, relationships and actions. Try to leave the conversation with everyone feeling more connected than when they started.
- Starting the conversation is the first step. Everyone, especially young people, should feel safe to share their experiences in an open and constructive dialogue.
- Listen first, speak second. Everyone has valuable opinions; let’s listen carefully before we speak.
- Empathy is key. Race-based bias has left a lasting legacy of pain with many individuals and communities. While we may not fully understand it, we should know it exists and extend empathy toward others.
- Don’t expect perfection. None of us has the perfect words to describe how we feel. Encourage everyone in the discussion to be sensitive to multiple perspectives.
- For young people, it can be helpful to talk about emotions, experiences and their personal connections to issues.
- Go deeper. Explore the history of these issues in your library and online. Learn more about where America has been on issues of race and bigotry, and what solutions are being proposed.