BLACK LIVES MATTER. BLACK FUTURES MATTER.
We cannot claim that the past week’s headlines—including the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and others by police brutality and other violence—are all “recent" events. We know that these events have persisted in the history of our nation and the world. We know that our nation was built on these ugly truths of systemic violence, institutionalized racism, and oppression of minority groups in the United States.
Plymouth Church recognizes that God calls us as individuals, and as a congregation, to pursue justice by dismantling racism and acting in solidarity with those who are oppressed.
We have gathered the following resources to help our community understand the present reality of racism, learn the historical factors that have influenced our current events, and discover ways to take immediate action to end racism and bring God’s justice to our community, country and world.
On Being a White Ally and Addressing White Privilege
75 Things White People can Do for Racial Justice
For Our White Friends Desiring to Be Allies
How You Can Help the Black Lives Matter Protests in NYC
“My White Friend Asked Me On Facebook To Explain White Privilege. I Decided to be Honest”
Children and Families
Antiracist baby by Ibram X. Kendi (Children’s Book)
The Critical Role White Parents Play in Shaping Racism — And Eradicating It (PBS News Hour Interview)
Good-bye, Curtis by Kevin Henkes (Children’s Book)
How to Diversify Your Toy Box (Article)
How to talk to kids about racism, explained by a psychologist (Article with Mindfulness Approach)
Integrated Schools (Website & Podcast)
Lovely by Jess Hong (Children’s Book)
Raising White Kids by Jennifer Harvey (Book)
Shades of People by Shelley Rotner and Sheila M. Kelly (Children’s Book)
A Snowy Day, Whistle for Willie, Lola at the Library, Jeffrey’s Outer Space Adventure, and more by Ezra Keats (Children’s Books)
Speak Up by Miranda Paul (Children’s Book)
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi (Young Adult Book)
The Story of Ruby Bridges by George Ford and Robert Coles (Children’s Book)
“They’re Not Too Young to Talk about Race!” — The Children’s Community School
This Book is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewell (Children/Young Adult Book)
Nice White Parents (Podcast)
The Other Side by Jacqueline Woods (Children’s Book)
One Love by Cedella Marley and Bob Marley (Children’s Book)
You Are So Wonderful by Jacqui Lewis (Children’s Book)
Your Kids Aren't Too Young to Talk About Race: Resource Roundup
When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner (Children’s Book)
White Kids: Growing Up with Privilege in a Racially Divided America by Margaret Hagerman (Book)
The History of Institutional Racism in the United States (and the World)
Jemar Tisby’s Lecture Series: The Color of Compromise
White Savior: Racism in the American Church (Documentary)
1619 (Podcast)
New York Specific Resources
Organizations You Can Support or Follow
Showing Up for Racial Justice (Faith)
Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)
Protests and Understanding Protests
Reading Lists
Racial Justice Ministry’s Reading List
Understand and Campaigns that Address Police Brutality
Anguish and Action (from the Obama Foundation)
New Era of Public Safety: An Advocacy Toolkit for Fair, Safe, and Effective Community Policing