Resources

 Resources for Understanding Systemic Racism and Engaging in Anti-Racism 

 

Books

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Me and White Supremacy - by Layla F. Saad
This workbook guides readers through a 28-day journey of self-reflection and examination of their own biases and roles in perpetuating systemic racism. It empowers individuals to confront their privileges and understand how to be allies in the fight against white supremacy.

 

White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
DiAngelo explores the defensive responses that white people often have when discussing racism and how these reactions reinforce systemic oppression. This book offers insights into how to engage in more productive conversations about race.

 

How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
Kendi presents a framework for understanding racism and offers practical strategies for combating it. He emphasizes that being "not racist" is not enough; individuals must actively work to be antiracist in their beliefs and actions.

 

The Racial Contract by Charles W. Mills
Mills argues that modern social contracts have historically excluded people of color and that this exclusion has shaped societal norms and values. This book challenges readers to reconsider the foundational assumptions of Western political thought.​

 

So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
Oluo provides a straightforward guide to discussing race and racism in America. She tackles difficult questions and topics, offering readers tools to engage in meaningful conversations about race.

 

Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? by Beverly Daniel Tatum
This book explores the dynamics of race in America, particularly in schools. Tatum addresses the developmental stages of racial identity and how they affect interactions among youth of different backgrounds.

 

The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
Alexander argues that mass incarceration functions as a contemporary system of racial control, reminiscent of Jim Crow laws. This groundbreaking book calls for a critical examination of the criminal justice system and its impact on communities of color.

 

I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness is a 2018 memoir by Austin Channing Brown 

The book reflects on Brown's experiences as a Black woman navigating predominantly white spaces in America. It offers insights into systemic racism, white supremacy, and the ways Black dignity can be maintained in a world designed to marginalize Black people.

 

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Written as a letter to his son, Coates explores the realities of being Black in America, discussing the history of racism and its ongoing impact. This powerful narrative invites readers to reflect on their own understanding of race.

 

Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America by Jennifer Harvey

Harvey offers guidance for white parents on how to talk to their children about race and racism. This book provides strategies for fostering anti-racist values in the next generation.

 

Rage: A Love Story by Lidia Yuknavitch

This novel touches on themes of race, gender, and the complexities of identity in contemporary society. It challenges readers to confront their emotions around these issues and consider their roles in shaping the world.

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Additional Resources 

 

Podcasts

 

1619 (New York Times)
This podcast explores the legacy of slavery in the United States, providing a deep historical context for contemporary issues of race and inequality.​

 

Code Switch (NPR)
A podcast about race, hosted by journalists of color. It tackles issues of race and identity in America and encourages open discussions about racism.

 

The Race Card
This podcast features discussions on race, culture, and politics, offering diverse perspectives on issues affecting communities of color.

 

The Liturgists Podcast
Hosted by Michael Gungor and Michelle Lotus, this podcast often addresses issues of race, faith, and social justice from an inclusive perspective.

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Articles & Websites

 

Mapping the Margins | Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence against Women of Color by Kimberlé Crenshaw  A foundational essay that introduces the concept of intersectionality.​

 

On Intersectionality | Essential Writings by Kimberlé Crenshaw

A comprehensive collection of Crenshaw's key writings on intersectionality and its implications for social justice.​

 

Race Forward
A national organization that advances racial justice through research, media, and practice. Their website offers a wealth of resources, including articles, reports, and toolkits.

 

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)
SPLC provides educational resources on hate groups and offers articles and reports that examine systemic racism and social justice issues.​

 

American Psychological Association (APA) - Ethnic and Racial Disparities in Crime and Criminal Justice in the United States

This report provides an overview of racial disparities within the criminal justice system, backed by research and statistics.​

 

The Anti-Racism Daily
A daily newsletter and online platform that offers resources, articles, and educational materials to help individuals engage in anti-racism work.

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Documentaries & Films

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13th (Netflix)
Directed by Ava DuVernay, this documentary explores the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States.​

 

I Am Not Your Negro
Based on James Baldwin's unfinished manuscript, this documentary explores Baldwin's thoughts on race in America through a contemporary lens.​

 

When They See Us(N etflix)
A miniseries that dramatizes the story of the Central Park Five, highlighting systemic racism within the criminal justice system.​

 

The Hate U Give
Based on the novel by Angie Thomas, this film addresses themes of race and police violence through the story of a young girl who witnesses a police shooting.

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Workshops & Webinars

 

Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF)
Offers programs aimed at educating individuals and organizations about racism and fostering community dialogue. Website: CRRF

 

Diversity and Inclusion Training Canada
Specializes in providing training sessions and workshops on diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism tailored to various organizations.

 

Black Community Resource Centre (BCRC)

Provides workshops and resources aimed at empowering the Black community, including leadership and professional development.

 

Indigenous Services Canada 

Offers resources and training related to Indigenous issues, including workshops focused on reconciliation and cultural awareness.

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Social Media Accounts to Follow

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• @inclusivecanada 

Features posts and resources promoting inclusive practices, events, and community engagement initiatives across the country.

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• @salendebs

Salen Debs is a Canadian anti-racism advocate, educator, and yoga instructor. She co-owns a yoga studio in Ontario and is known for her work in dismantling systemic racism within wellness spaces.

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• @ritubhasin 

Her work focuses on addressing systemic barriers and empowering marginalized communities, particularly women of color. Bhasin is known for her book The Authenticity Principle, which explores how individuals can thrive by being their true selves.

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• @nativewomencanada (Native Women’s Association of Canada) 

Advocates for Indigenous women’s rights.

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• @blklivesmatter

The official account for the Black Lives Matter movement, providing updates, resources, and calls to action.​

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• @RaceForward

The official account of Race Forward, sharing articles, reports, and resources related to racial justice.​

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Leadership Resources

 

Books

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• Dare to Lead by Brené Brown - Focuses on courageous leadership and fostering a culture of vulnerability and trust.​

• Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek - Explores the importance of creating a safe and trusting environment for teams.​

• The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni - Offers insights into team dynamics and how to build a cohesive team.​

• Drive - The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink - Discusses what truly motivates individuals and how to harness that in a leadership context.

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Online Courses

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• Coursera - Offers a variety of leadership and management courses from top universities. Courses include "Leading People and Teams" and "High Performance Collaboration.

• LinkedIn Learning - Provides courses on leadership, team management, and effective communication. Recommended courses include "Leadership Foundations" and "Managing Team Conflict.​

• edX - Features courses from institutions like Harvard and MIT. Look for "Leadership Principles" or "Transformational Leadership."

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Webinars and Podcasts

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• Harvard Business Review Webinars - Regularly hosts webinars on leadership topics, featuring industry experts.

• The Leadership Podcast- Focuses on leadership lessons from experienced leaders across various fields.

• Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast - Provides practical tips and insights on personal leadership and team development.​

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Organizations and Websites

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• Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) - Supports the professional development of association leaders and enhances the effectiveness of associations in Canada.

• The Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) - Offers research, resources, and training programs focused on leadership development.

• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) - Provides a wealth of resources on leadership training, employee development, and organizational culture.

• Leadership Development Resources - A website that curates articles, tools, and frameworks for developing leadership skills.

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Tools and Frameworks

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• 360-Degree Feedback - A tool for gathering feedback from peers, subordinates, and supervisors to improve leadership effectiveness.

• Leadership Competency Frameworks - Tools that define key competencies for effective leadership, often customizable to your organization’s needs.

• Mentorship Programs - Consider creating or joining a mentorship program to enhance leadership skills through real-world experience.

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Networking and Community

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• Indigenous Professional Association of Canada (IPAC) - Supports Indigenous professionals with networking events, resources, and career development opportunities.

• Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network - The Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network provides valuable resources and community support for women of color looking to advance their careers and leadership potential.

• Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS) - A national organization that supports professional speakers through networking, resources, and training.

• BIPOC Executive Network - Overview: A national network that connects BIPOC leaders across various industries to foster professional development and collaboration.

• BOLD Networking -  Overview: A Canadian platform designed to connect diverse professionals through events, workshops, and online forums.

• Young Professionals Network (YPN) - Overview: A platform for young professionals in various fields to network, collaborate, and access resources for career growth.

• Toastmasters International - Offers opportunities to improve public speaking and leadership skills in a supportive environment.

• LinkedIn Groups - Join groups focused on leadership development, nonprofit management, or your industry to connect with peers and share resources.

• Networking Events by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce - Regularly hosts events that connect business leaders and professionals across Canada for networking and knowledge sharing.​

• Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce - Supports Black entrepreneurs and professionals through networking opportunities, mentorship, and advocacy.

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