Antiracism Resources for Allies

 

Address your biases so you can be a better scientist and help dismantle white supremacy

Below is a scaffolding of anti-racism resources to facilitate growth for allies and, eventually, accomplices for anti-racist work.

As you explore these resources, try to purchase books directly from authors or local bookstores, especially those owned by Black people, Indigenous people, or people of color (BIPOC). Note that the stages below are cyclical and often overlap. Recognize that growth is continual, and you may need to revisit previous stages.

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Stage 1

  • I don’t intentionally or consciously act in racist ways.
  • I mostly talk to people who look and think like me.

Take Action:

Read and listen to resources created by BIPOC. Financially compensate them for educating you.

Increase exposure to real-world experiences that make your whiteness and the privilege that comes with it apparent.

Stage 2

  • I understand racism is a problem, but I don’t see my role in ending it.
  • I am uncomfortable talking about race and feel guilty for having privilege.

Take Action:

Stay engaged! Sit with your feelings and don’t let discomfort stop you.

Notice your actions and inactions around race-related issues. Continue to educate yourself about racial inequality and bias.

Stage 3

  • I get defensive about my biases and knowledge gaps.
  • I want to speak up on behalf of marginalized people, but I’m afraid to make a mistake.

Take Action:

Mistakes will happen because you are human! Correct yourself and remember this work is hard, but necessary.

Review this graph and reflect on your own behaviors and beliefs with curiosity and open-mindedness.

Stage 4

  • I hear feedback from a place of curiosity and hold myself accountable.
  • I use my privilege to step in the way of racism and actively work against systems of oppression.

Take Action:

Advocate for racial justice. Have conversations about privilege and oppression. 

Relinquish power, resources, verbal and physical space, visibility, etc. and redistribute it to BIPOC communities, professionals, etc. 

STEM-specific resources

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Books

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Podcasts

Stage 1

  • 1619 by the New York Times 

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Videos

Stage 1

Stage 2

Note: Adapted from Scaffolded Anti-racist Resources compiled by A. Stamborski, N. Zimmermann, and B. Gregory at University of Minnesota Crookston.

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