Open Letter to Well-Intentioned White People

Note: This was originally published on my old website on 11/24/16.

Dear Well-Intentioned White People,

Perhaps the recent election results have you shocked and suddenly aware of how much your privilege has shielded you from the racist audacity of your fellow white people. (By the way, if you're still confused about why POC are angry about the election, read this, listen to this, this and this.) You're recognizing that you need to step up and do the work that we've been asking you to do. To help you on this journey, I've put together a short list right here so you don't have to ask your friends of color to do more unpaid labor.

If you want to mobilize with other white folks, go here: Showing Up For Racial Justice. This is only the beginning. There is so much more to learn and you have some white people in your lives to talk to and educate. I've tried talking to them and they don't listen to me, so now it's your turn. Send them some things to read/listen to for the holidays or ask them to do it instead of getting you a gift.

*Disclaimer: This is just my personal opinion.  If you're looking for more resources, some former colleagues and I put this guide together just for this very purpose. Thank you to the KU Office of Multicultural Affairs for their labor in helping us with that guide.

Books

  • Between the World and Me, Ta-Nehisi Coates

  • The New Jim Crow, Michelle Alexander

  • Freedom is a Constant Struggle, Angela Davis

  • Americanah, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

  • Welcome to Braggsville, T. Geronimo Johnson

  • Anything by Audre Lorde

  • Anything by bell hooks

  • Anything by James Baldwin

  • This great list

  • And this one

Podcasts

Other Places to Get Your News & Entertainment (that aren't white-washed)

*updated the syllabi section 11.25.16

Sofia Leung