A Note From BSG
This is not a fully comprehensive list. It is intended to give you a better understanding of how you can get involved in racial justice issues in America. We will be updating this site regularly, but it can never be comprehensive. That is why we need your help. If you have any suggestions for content to add or change on our Student Support pages, please send them to bsgadvcy@brockport.edu.
Learn
Experts/Good Reads
This list of TED Talks covers a variety of issues within the umbrella of racism and is a great playlist to keep handy when you’re looking for voices of reason in the chaos.
This is an excellent article to help inform not only your own views, but to contribute to meaningful conversations surrounding this topic.
Another great article is by Kareem Abdul-Jabar who gives an interesting glimpse of one man’s take on the events of early June 2020; an interesting perspective from which to start, especially for someone who might be confused about the protests sparked by George Floyd.
Other Resource Lists to Check out
Bias Reporting and Self-Advocacy
Bias Report
Brockport’s Bias Reporting form as well as other reporting methods can be found here: Bias Report Center.
However, simply reporting people will not address systemic racism. At BSG we are here to help students. If you are ever experiencing an issue, this reporting page as well as the Student Government are good resources to use. Contact bsgadvcy@brockport.edu with any concerns or possible ways in we can better serve you in regards to this, or any, issue.
Self-Advocacy
This website, talking about race, features a series of articles about discussing race. While it is important to educate yourself, regardless of your experiences or prior knowledge, it is essential that we engage others in this learning. How we participate in these conversations makes all the differences in effecting change in our country. We do not have to change the world to make a difference, you have to change one mind.
This NPR segment/article covers having these conversations with your parents, an important and uniquely difficult form of these conversations.
NPR’s Life Kit offers a variety of brief episodes about dealing with racism, self-advocacy, and so much more.
This NPR segment features Robin DiAngelo, author of White Fragility, briefly discussing her thoughts on the movement and some actions you can take.
This link is the 21 Day Habit Building Challenge that DiAngelo mentions in that segment. This a great resource to keep up with in committing to doing your own best.
This flyer from YWCA captures a good snapshot of how you can play your part in the struggle against racism.
You’re already taking most of these steps by engaging with this content, or any other resources you may find, but that can’t stop here. First, as we mentioned earlier, send us any resources you may have. This is a living document and we need your part to make it the best it can be. Second, vote. Third, keep practicing. Everyone, no matter who you are, makes mistakes. That is not any different when navigating difficult conversations or dealing with people who sure seem underserving of any empathy. What matters is that you put yourself out there, in a position to make a mistake, and that you own up to it and learn from it if you do.
Engagement
Protest Resources
A brief article outlining some protest safety tips can be found at this link from the SUNY Student Assembly.
A much more detailed overview that covers different aspects of protests and your involvement within them can be found at this link from the ACLU.
A resource specific to NYC during the Coronavirus can be found here: Demonstrating in New York