Guide

Responding to anti-Black racism

Resource Materials

There is a history of violence against Black and Brown bodies, both in the U.S. and at UMD.
While some murders & other violent crimes receive press coverage & become widespread news, others receive minimal acknowledgment.
Since the murder of Ahmaud Arbery in February, others have also been killed, including Breonna Taylor, Monika Diamond and Nina Pop, all Black women.

Acknowledge your response, and know that there is no “right” way to react. Everyone will process the news of these deaths differently.
Recognize that your reaction may be about this specific news, and it may influenced by an awareness of a history of racial discrimination.
Identify how you’re feeling—try self-awareness techniques like journaling and this Black Lives Matter Meditation for Healing Racial Trauma.
Talk to people you trust about how you’re feeling. Plan for self and community care.
Find empowerment by taking action (volunteer, protest, donate, mentor...).

You may feel shame in reaction to incidents of anti-Black racism.
Your shame might manifest as silence, anger with yourself, helplessness, or withdrawal from others. You may be confused about what to do or say or how to show support without causing harm.
Recognize the shame, and make an attempt to connect with a trusted person with racial consciousness to talk about your feelings.
Commit to learning about how shame works to protect White supremacy and hampers your ability to be anti-racist.
Develop additional strategies to resist the silencing effects of shame.

Topics

Type

Campus Unit