Black Lives Matter: Learning

This was a post that was meant to be completed a while ago, and was also going to be different than what it is now. Unfortunately, I’ve been dealing with some unexpected family matters and health matters, and while I’ve used other things to continue the conversation, it did delay the conversation through this medium.

The Black Lives Matter fight is far from over. Violence is still occurring, Trump is still making things so much worse, people are still ignorant, and justice still hasn’t been served in so many cases. We can’t be done with this.

Part of what is going to contribute to permanent, long-standing change is if we all take the time to educate ourselves on the past, the present, and the future. We need to support those who have dedicated parts, whether big or small, of their lives and their energy to documenting history, sharing experiences, and expressing their thoughts through art and creative outlets.

I’ve curated below some lists of some resources that have been shared by others for books, podcasts, videos, interviews, and so many more things that you can absorb, focusing on a variety of topics related to the Black experience. I encourage you to go through them. Don’t overwhelm yourself – start small and go from there. A lot of what is overwhelming people right now is the incredible amount of information out there. If you don’t take the time to listen, absorb, and reflect, you’re not going to retain anything.

At the bottom of this list, I also want to remind you of petitions that still need support and places you can continue to donate to. While it may seem like I’m taking the easy route by sharing other lists and links, I want to ensure you that’s not my intention. Sharing information in any capacity is better than staying silent.

Here’s a list of 40 of the best African American books as recommended by the NAACP from NBC.

This Oprah Magazine slideshow features a list of books by Black Authors that come highly recommended as great reads. These books cover a variety of topics, both race and not-race related. 

This Vanity Fair list featured 9 podcasts hosted by Black hosts that cover a variety of different perspectives, along with recommendations of specific episodes to listen to that discuss relevant matters. 

This Women’s Health post features more podcasts to listen to that are actively discussing political and racial injustice that come highly recommended. 

If you want to learn about real people and real experiences (which you should) this GoodReads list features some of the top non-fiction books written by Black Authors with a variety of different types of stories. 

If celebrity stories have always been a guilty pleasure of yours, PopSugar has a list here with some of the most interest Black celebrity memoirs. 

If you’re looking to expand some shelf space to some highly anticipated new reads, this Book Riot list features some books by Black authors that will be released this year. 

If you’re looking to involve your children in a healthy conversation about anti-racism and Black history, this Family Education slideshow features a selection of recommendations for children’s books, along with brief synopses and age recommendations. 

This Coveteur list features a variety of book recommendations that cover Black history, sexuality, culture, and other topics related to the Black experience. 

This Shondaland list features books that are must-reads during Black History month, but of course, we know that education extends beyond just one month.

If you’re more of a visual learner, Marie Claire curated this list of Black history documentaries to watch.

This KPBS list features free documentaries you can watch regarding several Black history topics. 

If you have any recommendations, I would love for you to leave them in the comments below.

Lastly, I want to leave you with a reminder that signing petitions is a fast and simple way to lend your support to the thousands of changes, reforms, injustices that need justice, and movements that need to be made. A quick scroll through Twitter is an excellent way to keep updated on legitimate and timely petitions.

Here is some updated information on how much donations, whether big or small, have made a significant impact thus far.

Here are some other organizations you can continue donating to as curated by Vox.

A lot of good has come out of this truly dark time. But the fight isn’t over. Let’s keep going.

Your friend,

Alicia

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