Hey there. How are you feeling? This week has been extremely difficult. My hope is that through these moments of uprising that we’re experiencing across the globe, big changes are on the way. But it all starts with you and I as individuals. And with the pandemic, we have more time than ever to learn, educate and action change across the world. 

This week on the Stay Home Club, I thought I’d share some of the resources and the art by black artists I’ve found helpful and plan on checking out as I learn more about racism and the issues the black community continue to face.  

[Listening] 

Rapsody’s Eve

I’ve been listening to several albums that share in different black narratives with themes of politics, activism and injustice. If storytelling through music is your thing, there are so many to check out, but here are a handful I’d recommend:  

• Brother Ali, The Undisputed Truth 
• Rapsody, Eve 
• Kendrick Lamar, To Pimp a Butterfly 
• GoldLink, At What Cost 
• Blood Orange, Negro Swan 
• Solange, A Seat at the Table  

[Watching] 

There are several beloved films by black directors that tell the narratives of discrimination and racism in the black community. If you love movies, I’ve got a few film and television recommendations: 

Barry Jenkins, Moonlight

• Barry Jenkins, Moonlight 
• Barry Jenkins, If Beale Street Could Talk 
• Ava DuVernay, 13th 
• Ava DuVernay, When They See Us 
• Spike Lee, BlacKkKlansman 
• Justin Simien, Dear White People 
• Jordan Peele, Get Out  
• Ryan Coogler, Black Panther  
• Ryan Coogler, Fruitvale Station 

[Reading] 

And there are several texts you can check out to familiarize yourself with some of the issues: 

• Claudia Rankine, Citizen: An American Lyric 
• Ed Gordon, Conversations in Black: On Politics, Power and Leadership 
• Toni Morrison, Race 
• Paul Butler, Chokehold: Policing Black Men 
• Ta-Nehisi Coates, The Water Dancer 
• James Baldwin, The Fire Next Time 

And with that, I’m still learning how I can best be an ally to the black community and will continue to learn and educate myself on these important issues no matter what. What are some the resources you would recommend right now?