Black Lives Matter: Resources for Individuals and Families

Written by Carryn Lund, LMSW, RYT

Resources compiled by collaborators at Grove Emotional Health Collaborative

At this moment in history, we are bearing witness - yet again, and over and over again - to the way that racism and racism-fueled violence is woven into everyday life here in America. As we see the way that Black bodies are subjected to violence and death in the way non-Black bodies are not, we are called to action.

Where does action begin?

Within.

Today, we share with you some learning resources for your journey in contributing to a more just society. An abundance of Incredible learning resources have already been widely shared on social media and in the news (these books are topping the NYT bestseller lists and are backordered in many online sources). We do not wish to repeat these resources and we do not take the stance of experts.

Instead, we wish to share and uphold resources written by experts. What follows is a brief sampling of some resources that we wish to share, including ones that teach about Anti-Racism ourselves, help us talk to our kids about racism, and offer important mental health and wellness services to People of Color.

For Learning Yourself

Have you picked up one of the popular books on learning about racism and Anti-Racism? If you’re looking to purchase, consider supporting Source Booksellers in Detroit or Black Stone Bookstore in Ypsilanti.

If you’re not yet reading a book, at least take some time to browse the Internet and learn about the history of Juneteenth, which is coming up.

This might be a time, too, to reflect on your consumption of social media and who is represented in your feed. There are many Black academics, activists, and leaders who are generous in sharing their knowledge, wisdom, and pointing us towards resources online. On Instagram we’ve been following Alishia McCullough (@blackandembodied), The Conscious Kid (@theconsciouskid - resources on parenting but also just educational for all of us who need to learn), and Ericka Hart, M.Ed. (@ihartericka - also hosts Hoodrat to Headwrap: A Decolonized Podcast), among many others.

Ibram X. Kendi is an author (wrote the current bestseller How to Be an Anti-Racist). He has done several illuminating, informative, and motivating podcast interviews lately, including on Brené Brown’s Unlocking Us podcast.

Teaching Your Kids

Teaching our kids about diversity, racism, and inclusion is powerful. And necessary. It gives us the chance to un-learn and re-learn for ourselves and helps contribute to improvement for the next generation.

Perhaps you can attend this live online event on Thursday, June 18, 2020 - Raising Anti-Racist Kids.

Did you see the CNN and Sesame Street special on explaining racism to kids? You can see it here. And if you’d like further guidance on talking to kids about racism and violence, the Child Mind Institute has a guide.

Resources for People of Color

Increasing access to mental health care for People of Color is important. We like the Loveland Foundation, which prioritizes “opportunity, access, validation, and healing” including offering free and low-cost therapy to Black women and girls. Inclusive Therapists also has a commitment to sponsoring therapists who can provide low-cost therapy to increase access for minorities.

We also recently became aware of the online community Ethel’s Club, which has a plethora of offerings to increase wellness and a sense of community for People of Color.

May we all be a part of contributing to a more just, Anti-Racist society.