A Part of My Journey to Becoming an Anti-Racist

Tomorrow begins Black History Month.

In the wake of Tyre Nichols’ murder, how timely and disheartening that this year’s theme for Black History Month is Black Resistance–exploring how African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms.

Black History Month is considered an “annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.” A celebration that began in 1915 and has been recognized by every U.S. President since 1976.

Over a century later, we still live in a society filled with systemic racism.

Working in the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) space, I’m always mindful of my role, my voice, and the privilege I bring into every conversation about diversity, equity, and inclusion. I grapple with how to support without overshadowing. I work to learn without shifting the burden of my education to Black people in my community. I strive to emphasize the value of representation for marginalized communities without creating emotional labor that falls on their shoulders.

I don’t always get it right and that can be uncomfortable. But my comfort doesn’t matter here, and I commit to consistently and indefinitely continue my anti-racist journey.

I say all of this to relate my place in the world–not to center myself in this story.

I want to support and amplify the voices better equipped to share the stories. I’m bringing you the information and resources I’ve curated to share information, grow insight, and encourage compassion and empathy needed to move the needle forward on anti-racism.

Below is a list of Black voices, organizations, businesses, and resources to elevate this community and honor the many gifts they bring to our world. This is a start. This is part of the journey.

Black voices to amplify:

• Austin Channing Brown

• Tarana Burke

• Rachel Elizabeth Cargle

• Ta-Nehisi Coates

• Roxane Gay

• Amanda Gorman

• Luvvie Ajayi Jones

• Nikole Hannah-Jones

• Ibram X. Kendi

• Heather McGhee

• Bryan Stevenson

Black organizations and businesses to support:

• Association for the Study of African American Life and History

• Black Girls Code

• Black Lives Matter

• Black Male Voter Project

• Black PAC

• Black Women for Wellness

• Color of Change

• Indianapolis Black Women-Owned Businesses

• Indianapolis Black-Owned Restaurants

• The Loveland Foundation

• National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

Learning resources to engage with:

• 1619 Podcast

• Code Switch Podcast

• The Conscious Kid

• The Root YouTube Channel

• Scene on Radio: Seeing White Podcast

• Systemic Racism Explained (Great for kids too!)

• Ted Talks to Help You Understand Racism in America

This list is not exhaustive. I invite you to share with me organizations, businesses, and voices to include as we continue this anti-racism journey, together.

Journey well, my friends.

Stevie