Dismantling White Supremacy Culture Resource of the Month
Rev. David Pyle, Regional Lead
I remember when I first began to be engaged in efforts to dismantle white supremacy culture, one of the challenges I faced was I did not know many of the core concepts, fundamental understandings, and even language that was common to many who had been involved in anti-racism and anti-oppression work long before I. I realized that it was not the responsibility of all those committed activists to educate me, but I did not know how I could learn what I did not know.
When someone is beginning their journey of understanding of how to be an effective part of the work to dismantle white supremacy culture, one of the resources that I share with them is the wonderful resources at Racial Equity Tools. This website is a resource for both those beginning their journey to understanding the dynamics of race and racism, and for seasoned anti-racism and anti-oppression advocates who are looking for tools to plan, strategize, and evaluate efforts and actions to dismantle white supremacy culture.
One particular section I have recommended more than others is the section on Fundamentals and Core Concepts of Racial Equity. In both my civilian and military ministry, I engage with people at the beginning of their awareness of the racial inequity in our society, and are just becoming aware of how much they do not know. The Fundamentals section provides an easy to engage set of resources that includes definitions and explanations of core concepts such as anti-racism, structural racism, intersectionality, white privilege, and internalized racism. It also shares resources to understand the History of Racism and Movements for Racial Justice. There is also a wonderful Resource List, including a series of tipsheets for planning and evaluating actions leading towards racial equity.
And this is just the beginning of what is offered at Racial Equity Tools. Their total library includes over 3,600 resources for those learning about and committed to building racial equity and dismantling white supremacy culture. So, no matter where you are in your own journey, there are tools and resources that can be helpful for you.
Photo of San Francisco Mission District with Street Art and Murals painted on walls. Credit: Mathieu LE MAUFF