Racism and Personal Responsibility

Following the last two weeks of addressing diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace. We would like to continue the conversation in the wake of the events of this last week.

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Though we understand and believe that racism and discrimination are structural and there is so much work to be done in organisations and government, there is also so much to be done on the individual level. Personal responsibility for educating yourself and holding you and those around you accountable is paramount for battling the attitudes and horrendous displays of profane racism we saw after the England Euros loss.

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We have put together a list of some incredible resources to provide a platform and signpost those that come across our pages to incredible books, movies, tv shows, social pages, and people to read watch, listen to and follow to educate yourself on the reality of discrimination to date.

Movies & TV Shows‍

13th

A classic recommendation, and if you haven’t watched it yet, what have you been doing the past year. A deep dive and revelatory documentary highlight systemic racism in the US which is a great way of seeing the ways in which discrimination can be entrenched in the system.

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Two Distant Strangers

In this fictive Oscar-winning short film, now out on Netflix, it follows a young black man stuck in a time loop that leads him to re-live a deadly encounter with the police on the way home to see his dog. We will preface this one with a trigger warning as it has been criticised for verging on being traumatising for black viewers.

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Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

In this fictive Oscar-winning short film, now out on Netflix, it follows a young black man stuck in a time loop that This incredible Oscar-winning biographical film starring the late Chadwick Boseman and the incredible Viola Davis is based on a fictional afternoon in which ‘The Mother of Blues’, Miss Gertrude ‘Ma’ Rainey and her band record the single “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” with her white manager and record label owner. Tensions mount between everyone there and erupt into a conflict that highlights race and artistic exploitation. It is a truly captivating film.

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Self Made: Inspired By the life of Madam C.J. Walker

This biographical short series follows the journey of Madame C J Walker, America’s first black female millionaire and her journey to success – as well as her trials and tribulations as a black woman in a time that did not provide many opportunities. Starring Octavia Spencer.

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What Happened, Miss Simone

Now out on Netflix, this biographical movie covers the life and music of Nina Simone using never before seen or heard footage and recordings. Perfect for any music lover.  

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The Death and Life of Marsha P Johnson

Marsha P Johns was a black trans woman and activist who fought for LGBTQ+  rights in New York, and one of the key figures in the Stonewall riots of 1969. This documentary follows her life of activism and the suspicious circumstances around her death in 1992.

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Books

Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire

By Akala this semi-autobiographical book mixes the personal, historical and political. Speaking to our current situation as well as providing an understanding of the history and racial politics of Britain. With incredible references and resources, this book talks about a wide range of racialised issues and Akala’s own experiences confront the British aversion to talking about race and empire.

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Girl, Woman, Other

By Bernardine Evaristo and winner of the 2019 Booker prize, this unconventional novel follows 12 characters in separate but intertwined storylines, with no focal character to paint a picture of black heritage in Britain. A must-read ode to the black woman in modern Britain.

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Americanah

From the Award-winning Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, this fictive book follows Nigerian teenagers that fall in love with aspirations to move to the United State for Education. But due to strict immigration laws, Ifemelu and Obinze are forced to separate as Ifemelu is granted a visa. Following two life stories on different trajectories into adulthood the story tackles race, immigration, and love in a globalized world.

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Wish We Knew What to Say

By Dr. Pragya Agarwal this book is one for parents who would like assistance in understanding how they can speak to their children about race as well as understands the ways in which children perceive and understand race and racial difference.

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People to keep an eye on

Candace Braithwaite

Founder of ‘Make Motherhood Diverse, author, presenter, and journalist. Candace began documenting he journey as a mother in 2016 to show that black mothers and families were “not just surviving but thriving” illustrating an alternative to dominant narratives surrounding black motherhood.  Her debut 2016 book ‘Not Your Baby Mother’ is a must-read.

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Sanchia Legister

By Bernardine Evaristo and winner of the 2019 Booker prize, this unconventional novel follows 12 characters in separate but intertwined storylines, with no focal character to paint a picture of black heritage in Britain. A must-read ode to the black woman in modern Britain.

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She “brings her big afro, big smile and good vibes to the mat, with a fiyah playlist to help you find freedom, space, and unapologetic movement, in the hope of bringing yoga to the people dem.”

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Jonelle Lewis

American Yogi Jonelle Lewis spent 20 years in London before returning back to the United States. Other than being an incredible yoga teacher (you can find her pre-recorded classes on Apple Fitness) she regularly posts about the hypocrisy and lack of diversity in the wellbeing industry and consistently holds people to account.

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Ms Afropolitan

A writer, award-winning blogger, and keynote speaker Minna Salami writes on feminism and social issues from an African-centric point of view.

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Marcus Rashford

After the Euros, I think most of us know who Marcus Rashford is. But he is more than a footballer. When the government planned to leave school children on Pupil Premium without food during the holidays during the pandemic. Rashford stepped up and donated to make sure students had a meal, as well as pressured and campaigned for the government to provide the Free School Meals (which they eventually did).

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Renni-Edo Lodge

An award-winning journalist, author, and podcaster, Renni-Edo wrote the best-selling book ‘Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race’. The best-seller has informed the podcast she now hosts that dissects the nuances of race.

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