“In a racist society it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist.”
― Angela Y. Davis
What is Anti-Racism?
Anti-racism is the active process of identifying and eliminating racism by changing systems, organizational structures, policies, practices, and attitudes*.
A person who practices anti-racism is someone who works to become aware of:
- How racism affects the lived experience of people of color and Indigenous people;
- How racism is systemic, and has been part of many foundational aspects of society throughout history, and can be manifested in both individual attitudes and behaviors as well as formal (and “unspoken”) policies and practices within institutions;
- How white people participate, often unknowingly, in racism.
*NAC International Perspectives: Women and Global Solidarity
Why it is important to learn about Anti-racism
Knowledge is power. It is not enough to be an ally and fight alongside your peers of color. Acknowledging that countering racism cannot be a neutral stance but has to rather be an active process of anti-racism, will help you be part of effective change.
What can I find on this page?
The counseling center has compiled a list of resources available that will help educate you on the process of anti-racism. You will find links to articles, Ted talks, infographics and much more that will help you become a more effective ally.
As always, if you would like to meet with a counselor to talk more about anti-racism or feel triggered by any of these resources please email us at counselingcenter@bmcc.cuny.edu and we can provide additional support through counseling.
Anti-racism Resources
75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice
Antiracism Learning Opportunities through Enrich Chicago
Antiracist Toolkit for Teachers and Researchers
Detour-Spotting for White Antiracists
Disarming Racial Microaggressions: Microintervention Strategies for Targets, White Allies, and Bystanders
Expressive Writing Prompts to Use if You’ve Been Accused of White Fragility, Spiritual Bypassing, or White Privilege
Harvard Implicit Bias Test
How to Talk to Kids about Race: Books and Resources That Can Help
How Well-Intentioned White Families Can Perpetuate Racism
Resources for Educators Focusing on Antiracist Learning and Teaching
Talking About Race: Being Antiracist
Toolkit for Teaching about Racism
White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack
Ted Talks and PodCasts
The difference between “not racist” and antiracist
What it takes to be racially literate
Brené with Ibram X. Kendi on How to Be an Antiracist
Books to Read on Anti-racism
How to Be an Antiracist by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi
Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor by Layla Saad
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism by Dr. Robin DiAngelo
