Black Lives Matter, Part 2

First and foremost, thanks to all who have sent in recommendations. Please reference the previous post for an updated list of recommendations to help educate and build awareness around what it means to be a person of color in America. 

Last night was Bozeman's second peaceful Black Lives Matter protest honoring the black lives taken by police officers, including Breonna Taylor who would have been 27 yesterday, and the issue of systemic racism in America. Thousands gathered downtown for racial equity. With estimates the crowd was well over 3,000, the rally was the largest on record in the city.

To properly social distance, the Hubs, Henry and I stayed on the fringe of the crowd of participants. We and the other protesters wore masks to protect ourselves from the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19 that still continues although our state has some of the lowest cases reported.

Despite the energy and momentum of the protesters, it was clear we still have a lot of work to do. There were multiple trucks with Trump flags making laps around the protest blaring music. There was a group of all white people protesting that black lives matter with guns on their backs and a hammer. There was a truck with a Trump hat in the windshield tailing and revving its engine behind a car with a black family inside including young children. 

And although the counter protesters were vastly out numbered, I was scared as a white woman of privilege. I can't even begin to know what it feels like and has felt like for centuries as a person of color. I'm encouraged white people are finally showing up, ourselves included, but it's time to get to work.

Black Lives Matter

To help further understand the worldwide demand for racial justice and equity, I have been doubling down on my own education about what it means to be black in America and wanted to share a few books and movies that have impacted me:

The Hate U Give. Last year, the Hubs and I watched this movie about a young black girl finding her own voice after witnessing the shooting of a friend by a white police officer. This story also explores how a peaceful protest can become violent and how to take a stand. Find the novel that the movie is based on here.

White Fragility. Although this book is widely sold out in print, educator and scholar Robin DiAngelo's words translate well on Audiobook. In a few quick chapters, she distills how white people's paper thin skin complicates how we address the real issues.

I'm Still Here.This is next on my reading list and also Reese Witherspoon's book club pick for June. It's a memoir about a black Christian woman navigating America as a person of color.

A Kids Book About Racism. I've ordered this book for Henry to help start our conversation and understanding early.

Michelle Obama's Becoming. I know I'm far from the last and only person missing the Obamas in the White House but we recently took a trip down memory lane and watched Michelle's documentary on Netflix. Just like her autobiography, she is warm but says what she means. Her strong and direct message of hope for this country is exactly the reminder I needed to do better and go high when others go low. And in the words of Barack: "if you to bring about real change, then the choice isn't between protest and politics. We have to do both."

Black-ish and Mixed-ish. Both fictional TV series that break down racial issues crippling our society with style, charm, grace and lots of deep belly laughs.

Hidden Figures. The true story of three brilliant African American women who worked at NASA in the 1950s and 60s offers a realistic look at racial tensions of the civil rights era. PLUS this movie offers tons of positive messages about integrity, grit and teamwork.

Selma. This movie about civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. is powerful and educational.

Mississippi Burning. An oldie but goodie, I watched this drama as a child, which at the time was a lot for me to take in. This American biographical crime thriller about the disappearance of civil rights activists will keep you up at night.

When They See Us. A mini series based on the true story of five young black kids accused of brutally attacking a white woman in Central Park.

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM READERS

TO LISTEN

NYT's 1916 Podcast TO WATCH

13th // Dear White People // Just Mercy

P.S. For fun, start following black creatives like @designaddictmom and @carmeon.hamilton, two awesome black women who have strong interior design aesthetics that will inspire.

P.S.S. This post is meant to be a growing resource that I add to as I listen and read more. Please send along any and all recommendations. We're all in this together to make America and the world better.