The murders of countless Black and Brown Americans at the hands of police violence must stop. The staff at CAPS recognizes that this violence is protected and upheld by a system of White supremacy that is woven into institutional policies across this country. These same systems of White supremacy shape and distort media coverage related to these events in ways that trigger racial trauma in Black communities. We are committed to dismantling these systems and the ideologies that support them and to empowering and uplifting the voices of Black folx who are too often silenced.
We have compiled a list of resources to support Mason in challenging and dismantling racism. In addition, we have singled out resources to assist students, faculty, and staff of color in coping with the pain caused by racism and oppression. We recognize that this list, while lengthy, is only a starting point; there are many excellent resources and works available that are not included here. Resources are ordered alphabetically within each section. We thank Mason DREAMers for informing us of several of these resources. If you are unsure where to start, just pick a title that appeals to you. If you are very new to learning about race, a podcast can be a great place to start.
Please see the following resources for tools and supports to help in caring for yourself and building up your voice in a country that often seeks to silence those who speak and act against White supremacy. If you would like to speak to a CAPS counselor, please contact our office at 703-993-2380.
Articles and Handouts
Racial Trauma Definitions Handout (PDF)
“75 Things White People Can Do For Racial Justice” by Corinne Shutack
“How White People Can Hold Each Other Accountable to Stop Institutional Racism” by Elly Belle
“This Is What Black Burnout Feels Like” by Tiana Clark
“What To Do Instead of Calling The Police” by Aaron Rose
Books
A Race Is a Nice Thing to Have: A Guide to Being a White Person or Understanding the White Persons in Your Life by Janet E. Helms, Ph.D.
Freedom is a Constant Struggle by Angela Davis
How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor by Layla Saad
Policing Black Bodies by Angela J. Hattery & Earl Smith
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
The New Jim Crow: Mass INcarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
The Racial Healing Handbook: Practical Activities to Help You Challenge Privilege, Confront Systemic Racism, and Engage in Collective Healing by Annelise Singh, Ph.D., LPC
Waking Up White, and Finding Myself in the Story of Race by Debby Irving
White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
Why are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations About Race by Beverly Daniel Tatum
Tools For Coping With Racial Trauma
Black Lives Matter Meditation for Healing Racial Trauma
Coping With Racial Trauma Toolkit
Coping With Racism (from UCSC CAPS)
Podcasts/TED Talks
How To Deconstruct Racism, One Headlight at a Time TED Talk
Intersectionality Matters! Podcast
Layla Saad and Robin DiAngelo on White Fragility (Good Ancestor Podcast)
Scene on Radio: Season 2 (Seeing White)
Financially Supporting Racial Justice:
Donate to the Southern Poverty Law Center
Please see the University Life Black Lives Matter page for additional resources.