In my June Bucket List, I mentioned that I had the intention to “Do More. Share More.” and I have really taken that to heart. Mostly because I am fed up by witnessing that people can still get on national television and declare that systematic racism doesn’t exist. That the experience, oppression, and systemic degradation of a group of people is something that we have just made up. That we should get over something that continues to impact our everyday lives. 

In truth, I have been wanting to create a post like this for a while, but I was dragging my feet. The stakes feel too high now. With the presidential election inching towards its conclusion, I feel the need to remind you that this election is beyond politics. It’s about trying to protect the rights–life–of so many around you. 

Below are some resources that I have consumed this year. Some provide a crash course on how racism is rooted in our history, policy, and culture. Others provide insight into what it’s like to be Black in America. When I was consuming this content, I felt seen–like I wasn’t crazy or alone in some of my own experiences as a Black Women in the DC Area. In fact, most of the books on this list were reads for a book club that I’m a part of (thanks Hannah!) and it allowed me to process some of my experiences and digest the material in a safe space. I do recommend that you find a safe space of your own to process and talk the information out. It is not light work, but it is necessary work. 

Without further ado, here are a few resources to begin understanding (and/or connect with) some of the Black American experience: 

Book Recommendations

Bonus points if you purchase the books from a Black-owned bookstore or use an app like Libro.fm to stream the audio book (click here to learn more about how Libro.fm gives back to local bookstores).

Podcast Recommendations 

Have you consumed any race-related content that you would like to recommend? Leave a comment below to add to the list!