Watch (features)
- 13th
- I Am Not Your Negro, James Baldwin Documentary (film on black oppression the black community)
- If Beale Street Could Talk (by Barry Jenkins), available on Hulu
- The Hate U Give
Staff in the Division of Student Life have curated this guide to help students who want to learn about race and racial injustice, and to advocate for change. These anti-racism resources are intended to meet you at various points in your journey, whether you are just starting to understand racial inequity or are already actively challenging oppressive systems.
Anti-racism work is a lifetime endeavor; it should not end with this guide. Please consider also visiting the Miami Libraries' Antiracism and Social Justice Resources.
Grappling with issues of injustice can impact your mental health - even more so for Black, Indigenous and People of Color, so if you need someone to talk to, please reach out to the Student Counseling Service or take advantage of the H.O.P.E. line (855-249-5649), Miami’s 24-hour mental health phone line.
Here you'll find select books, articles, films and podcasts intended to help you deepen your understanding of racial injustice, focused particularly on anti-Black racism. Because there are so many books and articles out there, we've separated these lists into three categories to help you decide where to start: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
Your voice has the power to influence change - in both your immediate circle of friends, family, and peers, and in the larger community. While speaking up may look different from person to person, here are some resources to help you speak up and speak out against racial injustice.
When you are in a safe place to do so, challenge family, friends, or peers when they say racist or insensitive remarks. Engage in conversations about race and injustice. It's not easy to have these conversations; here are some resources to help you get started.
Another way to use your voice is to use your social platforms. You've probably seen the social media posts "silence is not an option." Start by following anti-racist accounts. You can also post on social media to show your support and to make a public commitment to do more.
Posting on social should not be your only action step against racism. Importantly, post with an open mind. While no one expects you to be perfect, be open to learning from your mistakes.
Take your voice to the polls. Find out which candidates support action you believe in and vote. Elected officials have the power to impact structural and systemic change, introduce new legislation, and appoint judges. Exercise your right to vote.
Educating yourself and speaking up are definite first steps in being antiracist - but don't stop there! Here are some ideas for how you can take take your commitment further with concrete action steps.
Activism can create real change in systems and policies. Find and support peaceful protests and rallies your area - Facebook groups and events are a place to start. Remember we continue to be in the middle of a global pandemic. If you decide to attend a protest, please do so safely.
Miami's Associated Student Government (ASG) compiled and posted a list of Miami classes on Instagram that focus on Black and African history/culture and the Black experience in America and around the world. Do your own search as well through courselist.
Your dollars - both donated and spent commercially - can provide support to nonprofit organizations and prosocial businesses. Do your homework, find work you believe in, and show your support.
Contact those in power to express your beliefs. Urge them to make decisions that support racial equity. Ask what they are doing to enact change.