Most of us have read “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee and throughout our K-12 education. It’s been utilized to teach about racism in the United States of America; however, teaching racism based on Lee’s book is inherently flawed as it centers the conversation on white saviorism since the book is written by a white woman. Now that Black History Month is past us, though, it’s important to continue to learn about antiracism and to continue to practice allyship.
“Freedom Is a Constant Struggle” by Angela Y. Davis centers the conversation on Black Lives Matter and intersectionality. Throughout the book, Davis discusses the Black Lives Matter movement with a focus on Ferguson, the South African anti-Apartheid movement and Palestine. She details the origins of the Black Lives Matter movement and expands readers’ perspective as she details global issues. For readers looking to learn more about global issues, as well as learn more about the Black Lives Matter protests in Ferguson, it’s worth the read.
“Black Klansman: Race, Hate, and the Undercover Investigation of a Lifetime” by Ron Stallworth tells the story of Stallworth’s experience with his undercover investigation into the Ku Klux Klan. Stallworth details how the investigation began, as well as how he continued it as a Black man posing undercover as a member of the KKK. Throughout the book, he recognizes the internal struggles he faced within the police department, as well as the results of the undercover investigation. American history rarely addresses racism, especially involving the KKK, and Stallworth offers the opportunity to learn about how he infiltrated the KKK in 1978, as well as addresses racism overall.
Layla F. Saad challenges readers in “Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor.” In Saad’s book, she provides activities to reflect on concepts such as white fragility, white saviorism, white guilt, white supremacy and more. Throughout the activities, Saad details her own experiences as an activist and teaches readers more about practicing antiracism and allyship in their day-to-day lives.
For fiction readers, look no further than “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas and “Dear Martin” by Nic Stone. “The Hate U Give” is narrated by Starr Carter and details her life after she witnesses the police shooting her childhood friend Khalil. Carter addresses racism in her school, as well as touches on the Black Lives Matter movement within her own community as Khalil’s death is mentioned in the news. Thomas tells a story about getting justice in the most well-written way. “Dear Martin,” which has a sequel is told from the perspective of Justyce McAllister and his letters to Martin Luther King Jr. as he addresses racism in the criminal justice system and the school system. Both books emphasize on the Black Lives Matter movement, highlighting racial issues in today’s politics.
Familiar with spoken word poetry? If so, the author of “Helium” may be familiar to you. Rudy Francisco touches on political topics about race, class and gender, as well as personal experiences in “Helium.” “Somebody Give This Heart a Pen” by Sophia Thakur also discusses racial identity from the perspective of a mixed-race woman, as well as touches on Thakur’s personal experiences. Throughout both poetry books, they prompt readers to grow and learn to be antiracist.
Looking to discuss racism with children? Try reading the chapter book “Clean Getaway” by Nic Stone, which discusses race relations in the U.S. as the narrator goes on a road trip with his G’ma. Throughout the trip, Stone teaches young readers about the Civil Rights movement, as well as modern-day race relations. For younger readers, try “Antiracist Baby” by Ibram X. Kendi and Ashley Lukashevsky. Throughout the book, Kendi and Lukashevsky illustrate how to practice antiracism from childhood to adulthood. These two books are influential for children and provide perspective on racism in the U.S.
While only “The Hate U Give” is available at the High Library, readers can request an Interlibrary Loan on the High Library’s website, check their local library or find the books at book retailers such as Amazon. It may be March now, but we must continue marching forward in our education about being antiracist.
