Anti-racism Resources
Definitions
Anti-racism is when we choose to be antiracist, we become actively conscious about race and racism and take actions to end racial inequities in our daily lives. Being antiracist is believing
that racism is everyone’s problem, and we all have a role to play in stopping it.
Equity is defined as “the state, quality, or ideal of being just, impartial, and fair.”
The concept of equity is synonymous with fairness and justice. It is helpful to think
of equity as not simply a desired state of affairs or a lofty value. To be achieved
and sustained, equity needs to be thought of as a structural and systemic concept.
Inclusion is the action or state of including or of being included within a group or structure.
More than simply diversity and numerical representation, inclusion involves authentic
and empowered participation and a true sense of belonging.
Individual racism refers to the beliefs, attitudes, and actions of individuals that support or perpetuate
racism in conscious and unconscious ways. The U.S. cultural narrative about racism
typically focuses on individual racism and fails to recognize systemic racism.
Interpersonal racism occurs between individuals. These are public expressions of racism, often involving
slurs, biases, or hateful words or actions.
Race is a socially constructed system of categorizing humans largely based on observable
physical features (phenotypes) such as skin color and ancestry. There is no scientific
basis for or discernible distinction between racial categories. The ideology of race
has become embedded in our identities, institutions, and culture, and is used as a
basis for discrimination and domination.
Racial justice is the systematic fair treatment of people of all races that results in equitable
opportunities and outcomes for everyone. All people are able to achieve their full
potential in life, regardless of race, ethnicity, or the community in which they live.
Racial justice—or racial equity—goes beyond “anti-racism.” It’s not just about what
we’re against, but also what we’re for. A “racial justice” framework can move us from
a reactive posture to a more powerful, proactive, and even preventive approach.
Structural racism (or structural racialization) is the racial bias across institutions and society. It describes the cumulative and
compounding effects of an array of factors that systematically privilege white people
and disadvantage people of color.
Books
How to Be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois
Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
Films
Just Mercy | Bryan Stevenson
When They See Us | netflix.com | Ava DuVernay
I Am Not Your Negro | Raoul Peck
Amend: The Fight for America | netflix.com | Kenny Leon
Podcasts
Nice White Parents five-part series
Online Resources
Talking about Race, The National Museum of African American History & Culture
10 Keys to Everyday Anti-Racism
Note: This is a work in progress. We welcome feedback and suggestions for additional resources to include. Please contact us at diversity@csub.edu with your suggestions and input.