Current Events Inspire My Reading List
Current events often inspire my reading list. So, recently, I turned to some recommended antiracism books to better myself and learn more about the world so many of my friends and neighbors experience.
I did a lot of research as to the best books and library availability also played a part in the ones I picked up. Here are a few books that I recommend as well as ones that are still sitting on my to be read pile.
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Antiracism Books
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo.
I first picked up this book thinking I wasn’t quite the target audience for it. After all, I consider myself open-minded and aware of systemic racism and the role white privilege plays in my life. That should have been my first clue that I needed to read this book. This book was incredibly valuable. Oluo defined many types of racism that occur and also gives the reader tools to help address this racism. It’s a great starting book for anyone wanting to learn more about racism and will also help you address racism with people who aren’t quite ready to talk about it. READ MORE HERE.
Find So You Want to Talk About Race here.
Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together In the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations About Race by Beverly Daniel Tatum
I chose this book because having attended a racially diverse high school, the title felt familiar. I also have kids in secondary school, so I wanted to read something that touched on racial relations among adolescents. This book did not let me down. Tatum is a psychologist, so the book is less personal but full of helpful information. I learned a lot a lot of insight into my own adolescence and in turn have some insights into things by own kids will experience.
If you are just staring the journey of antiracism, this should not be the first book you pick up. Save it for later on in your journey. Instead, grab a copy of So You Want to Talk About Race or pick up a copy of the next book. READ MORE HERE.
Find Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria here.
I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin channing Brown
Austin Channing Brown’s memoir of growing up black in a predominately white world is a great place to start your antiracism journey. (Actually, it’s great for any stage. So, pick it up and start reading!) It’s deeply personal and offered a perspective I needed to read. It made me uncomfortable in all of the best ways. I crave that uncomfortable-ness because it helps me grow.
Brown is a straight talker and she’s not here to hold her white reader’s hands. I love that about the book. I don’t want my hands held, I’d rather have my eyes opened. If you’re the same way, pick this book up today. READ MORE HERE.
Find I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness here.
What I’m Reading Next
I feel like I’m just getting started on my antiracism journey, so my list of books I want to read is rather large! Here are the next books I plan on picking up.
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coats. This book has long been on my reading list and it’s time to pick it up and read it. It’s won several awards and is recommended by many as one of the most influential books of this time. For that reason alone, it’s made it to the top of my list.
The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein. As a lover of history, I also want to understand racism through the history of the United States. This book touches on parts that aren’t taught in your history classes and gives insight into how our country became so segregated and why it stays that way.
I’m also working on diversifying my bookshelf by reading books that feature people of color in everyday life and in history, like these Contemporary Romances Featuring Women of Color.
Do you have any recommendations of what I should read next?
Check out my bookshelf and follow along with all of my current reads by following me on GoodReads. Or connect with other readers on our Facebook page. See you there!
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