Anti-Racist Resources for White Mothers
“In a racist society, it’s not enough to be non-racist—we must be ANTI-RACIST.”
This page is intended as a first step for mothers who want to increase their awareness of the systemic patriarchal racism in America and begin to act in dismantling it. This is not an exhaustive list, but a place to begin.
I am not an expert on this topic, but these are the resources I have found helpful to me. If you are aware of other resources should include here, please send them to me.
Educate yourself
If you purchase one of the books listed below, try to buy it from an independent bookstore owned by black, indigenous, or POC. Many of these are sold out in hard copy right now, but you may still be able to find them in audio book or ebook format.
Google Doc of anti-racism resources for white people {there are a lot of items in here for kids/families too}
Watch Rachel Cargle's Public Address on Revolution and follow Rachel Cargle on Instagram.
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
White Fragility: Why it is so hard for White People to Talk About Racism, by Robin DiAngelo
Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America, by Jennifer Harvey
How To Be An Antiracist, by Ibram X. Kendi
Me and White Supremacy: Change the World and Become a Good Ancestor by Layla F. Saad - Note this is a workbook, so DO it, don’t just read it.
Show up & Serve: A Workshop for White Coaches w/ Trudi Lebron {This replay is only available until June 5!}
How do I make sure I’m not raising the next Amy Cooper? An article by Jennifer Harvey. Also see this webinar on 6/2 where EmbraceRace.org facilitators will be in conversation with Jennifer Harvey on this topic.
Participate in a webinar on EmbraceRace.org, whose mission it is to “Raise a Generation of Children Who Are Thoughtful, Informed, and Brave About Race.”
Read fiction by BIPOC that will help you understand their perspective and experience.
Educate Your Children
Are your kids too young to talk about race? (no, they aren’t).
This Book is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do The Work, by Tiffany Jewell
Teach your kids to be Upstanders. (this article focuses on bullying, but the idea still applies)
A Kid’s Book About Racism, by Jelani Memory
@hereweeread on Instagram for recommendations on inclusive and diverse books for all ages
A list of books recommended by my local indie bookstore, Bookshop Santa Cruz.
A Bookshop.org referral page of inclusive books for kids, assembled by the owner of @hereweeread
Take Action
Promote BIPOC voices and pay them for their work.
Reach out to BIPOC in your network and community and ask them how they are doing. And then just listen.
Help to diversify the books in your home library, at your child’s school, or your local library by buying and donating books. The lists here and here are good places to start.
Use your platform to make a statement. Not sure how? Start here with Kia Young. Or here with Rachel Rodgers.
Write to your child’s school or school district and ask them to hold an open discussion for parents on equality and anti-racism.
Donate what you can to organizations fighting for change and supporting protesters.
Start conversations: In your family, in your community, within your business. How are you, as a white person, upholding a racist society? How do you benefit from your privilege?
Examine yourself: Save the Tears: White Woman’s Guide and The Great Unlearn are good places to start.