Resources

Anti-racism library curated by LeanIn.Org

LeanIn.Org Team

In 2020, instances of harassment and violence against Black people shined a light on the horrific impacts of systemic racism and white supremacy. The world bore witness to Black people being perceived and treated as threats because of the color of their skin. Police brutality, notably resulting in the deaths of Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd both shocked our collective conscience and served as yet another reminder that this has been the reality of life for so many Black Americans throughout our history. These horrific events also acted as a catalyst for a groundswell of antiracist activism.

And it’s important that we keep that same energy. In support of Black women in the Lean In community, we compiled and continue to expand this library of anti-racism resources to help people inform themselves and take action. Many of the resources in this library were sourced from other anti-racism collections.

While the learning process is continuous, true allyship is an action. We encourage everyone who stands against racism to take tangible steps towards creating change and building a more equal world.

We have also made a special effort to include resources that address the impact of racism on women at work. If you have suggestions for other resources we should add to the list, please let us know here.

We understand that reading all of this will take time—but it’s important to continue learning and having these discussions around race with your friends, family, and community.

Table of contents

For Black women

For white and non-Black people of color

Although we recommend you read everything here, we've highlighted the resources that we think are the best places to start for those who are new to anti-racism work.

Books to read

And here's a list of Black-owned online bookstores to purchase from, compiled by Njera Perkins.

Articles to read

Understanding intersectional feminism

Racism and allyship in the workplace

Tools to help you have hard conversations

Videos to watch

More anti-racism resources to check out

Larger collections of anti-racism resources

For everyone

Podcasts to listen to

Talking to kids about racism

Organizations and individuals to follow on social media

Places to donate, if you feel you are able

If you are in a position to give money, here are some organizations and causes to consider:

National organizations

  • Black Lives Matter—Founded in response to the acquittal of George Zimmerman after the death of Trayvon Martin, the organization continues to fight for justice for Black people who have been victims of violence "by the state and vigilantes".
  • Campaign Zero—National advocacy organization that uses data-based research to inform policy solutions aimed at eliminating police violence.
  • Center for Policing Equity—Data-driven approach to create levers for change in criminal justice, communities, and the nation.
  • Color of Change—Largest online racial injustice organization.
  • Equal Justice Initiative—Provides legal representation to people who have been illegally convicted, unfairly sentenced, or abused in state jails and prisons.
  • NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund—National organization that fights to protect voting rights, reform the criminal justice system, and improve equal access to education, among other civil rights causes.

Minnesota-based organizations

Minnesota has been at the center of protests and action since the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police on May 25, 2020.

  • Black Visions Collective—Minnesota-based Black-, trans-, and queer-led organization committed to dismantling systems of oppression and violence.
  • Communities United Against Police Brutality—Twin Cities-based organization that deals with police brutality on an ongoing basis.
  • Minnesota Freedom Fund—Community-based fund set up to pay bail bonds for individuals who have been arrested while protesting police brutality. This has become one of the most prominent bail funds, providing relief to protesters in Minneapolis seeking justice for George Floyd.
  • Reclaim the Block—Coalition that advocates for and invests in community-led safety initiatives in Minneapolis neighborhoods.

Bail funds

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