“In a racist society, it is not enough to be
non-racist, we must be anti-racist.”
- Angela Y. Davis
The Inclusion, Diversity & Equity into Action (IDEA) Committee had a goal for Black History Month to not only raise awareness of the essential role black history has played, but to also help build a foundation that will lead to action around condemning racism and oppression. Without understanding our complex history, it is impossible to know how we can create positive change.
We can start by understanding the multidimensionality that we all have in our everyday lives. We are not defined by just the color of our skin or our disability, but every aspect of our lives plays a role in our experience, and how we are perceived and treated. Over the last three weeks, we have shared various resources and highlighted some amazing people we felt amplified this message and the importance of understanding intersectionality. We hope that you continue to examine how intersectionality plays a role within your life.
Image Description: Profile of a face with word bubble that says "Take Action, Be Anti-Racist." Source: Image adapted fromhttps://www.istockphoto.com
What’s Next? Keep Learning!
Below you will find a resource list of recommended videos, books, and websites so you can keep learning about these topics. The foundation of the civil rights/Black Lives Matter and disability rights/Independent Living movements were based on the desire to create a society where everyone is treated equally and provided the same opportunities. Through education and communities joining together, we can do our part to work toward achieving this equality that’s a basic human right for all.
Don’t stop learning at the end of Black History Month or when media attention dies down – make a commitment to stay informed and take steps to advocate for equal rights for yourselves and others!
Learn More
Below are resources focused on intersectionality, black history, and disability rights. We encourage you to explore and learn more about these topics:
For those who work in the behavioral health field, it is important to celebrate the numerous Black people who have made significant contributions to mental health professions in the United States. Black Pioneers in Mental Health
NBC Out honors Black LGBTQ trailblazers of the past and present. From Gladys Bentley to James Baldwin to Marsha P. Johnson, Black LGBTQ Americans have made history with countless contributions to politics, art, medicine and a host of other industries. 16 Queer Black Pioneers who Made History
Learn More about CPWD's IDEA Committee and view all of our previous informational emails in the Email Archive.
