Anti-Racism Resources
Readings, links, and resources to be better informed and ready to take action.
Every February we honor Black History and try to amplify Black excellence in the incredible activists, community leaders, artisans, rabble-rousers, and elected officials who continue to grow the movement for accessible democracy, a just transition, and a sustainable climate future for ALL ALAKANS.
This month we would like to amplify some of our amazing Black lead partner organizations:
The recent shooting in Atlanta of 8 people including 6 Asian women is a tragic example of the life-threatening inequalities perpetuated by colonization and white supremacy on Black, Indigenous, Brown, Asian, and other targeted communities. This instance is not in isolation and we must do the work every day to dismantle these oppressive structures that give rise to this violence in all its forms. Below is a list of incredible groups working with Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities that we can learn from and support.
Language has power. We must use the right words to define and understand our space in the work.
Our country was built on stolen land on the backs of enslaved people. It is important that allies and advocates understand that White Supremacy is an ideology engrained in the structures of our nation. We must identify it to dismantle it.
- List of Characteristics of White Supremacy Culture>>
- Deconstructing White Privilege with Dr. Robin DiAngelo
- White Culture Handout>>
- Courageous Conversations (video)>>
Read more:
- "Me and white Supremacy" by Layla F. Saad- 28 day challenge and readings
- "So You Want to Talk About Race" by Ijeoma Olou
- Decentering Whiteness Reader>>
Want to support the work that is already moving forward? Get to know some of the amazing organizations that have put in the groundwork.
In Alaska:
- Anchorage Poor People’s Campaign>>
- NAACP Fairbanks Branch>>
- NAACP Anchorage Branch>>
- Alaska Black Business Directory>>
- Native Movement>>
- YWCA>>
- Native People's Action>>
National:
There is a lot of conflicting information about what it really means to defund the police. This may feel reactive to some but it is important to note that these conversations have been happening for decades. Restorative Justice is at the heart of these conversations as well as redefining the expectations of our police so that they can more effectively "protect and serve" and move away from historical and militaristic support of systemic racism.
- What "Defunding" looks like>>
- ‘Defund the police’: Advocates say it means reimagining policing, not getting rid of it>>
- Reformist reforms vs abolitionist steps in policing>>
- Defunding the police (video)>>
learn more
We believe in the power of voices. Protests and demonstrations have been a part of this country since colonizers first stepped on these lands. The protests we see across the world are just the beginning. The Montgomery Bus Boycott itself lasted 381. We have a long road ahead but its important to know how protests of all kinds can power movement.
- History of Protest in America>>
- Native American Activism: 1960s to Present>>
- Six reasons why protest is so important for democracy>>
- The Role of Religion in the Civil Rights Movements>>
- Stonewall Uprising>>
Learn More
Climate Justice is not possible without Racial Justice. We have seen first-hand the disproportionate effects of climate change on BIPOC communities and we must address the systems that cause this. Our future generations are dependent on us addressing the root and not just the effects.
- Racism, Police Violence, and the Climate Are Not Separate Issues>>
- The climate crisis is racist. The answer is anti-racism>>
- Communities of Color for Climate Justice>>
Learn MOre:
Systemic racism affects BIPOC in every aspect of life from education to healthcare to housing to job access and police brutality. Systemic racism is not new. It is foundational to the way we speak, interact and how we view each other. We must identify how we as individuals have propped up and been complacent in these structures in order for us to truly be free of them.
Read More:
Showing up to protests and demonstrations is a step in the work but racism is systemic and it will take many strategies to deconstruct it. From letter writing, to personal education, to donations, to pressuring elected officials, to voting and more. It's time for allies to challenge our own views and biases and challenge each other to do the work.
Reimagine:
- Just Transition AK>> "Normal" wasn't working for most of us. It's time we get to work on building a future for all of us.
VOTE:
Listen:
Challenge:
Read:
Below are very extensive reading lists and each of these texts has taken profound energy and time of the authors to share this with us all. Please give each of the texts you chose to read the time, energy and reflection they deserve. This work is not a sprint, it is a marathon.
