Week One: The Basics

If you’re new to learning about the history of race and racism in this country, here are some resources to help you get started. The goal for Week One is to help you get acquainted with some basic background information that will inspire you to deepen your commitment to educating yourself on this topic.

Week One: Day 1

WATCH Systemic Racism Explained: There’s a lot to unpack, and it’s going to take some time to begin to understand it all. To start, here's a video that explains what's meant by systemic racism.

REFLECT: Did you learn about redlining in school? If not, why not? Does this make you wonder what other parts of Black American history you weren't taught that would impact your perspective?

WANT TO GO DEEPER? Read and watch more on systemic racism at Race Forward HERE.

Week One: Day 2

WATCH Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man: Emmanuel Acho creates a safe space to unpack some of the questions surrounding race and racism. Watch the first video in his series below.

REFLECT: Is it easier for you to hear the message when it's delivered like this? What about when it's delivered with passion or anger? Can you still hear the message then?

WANT TO GO DEEPER? Watch the rest of the "Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man" series HERE.

Week One: Day 3

WATCH Let's Get to the Root of Racial Injustice TEDx Talk: Megan Ming Francis traces the root causes of our current racial climate to their core causes.

REFLECT: Do you find yourself perceiving Black men of a higher threat than a white man or someone of your own race? What are some negative stereotypes you have? Can you think of examples of your part in systemic racism? How have you upheld it in your daily life?

WANT TO GO DEEPER? Watch a short but extraordinarily eye-opening video on Levittown HERE.

Week One: Day 4

WATCH Uncovering the Greenwood Massacre: In 1921, a thriving black neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma was targeted by white supremacists and burned to the ground.

REFLECT: Had you heard of the Greenwood Massacre before this video? If not, why do you think that is? Do you think our history books include enough information about the history of Black Americans?

WANT TO GO DEEPER? Get a first hand look at the shocking relics of racism housed at the Jim Crow Museum in Big Rapids, Michigan HERE.

Week One: Day 5

WATCH Trevor Noah on George Floyd & The Dominoes of Racial Injustice: The Daily Show host breaks down our country’s history of racism and the contract between society and Black Americans.

REFLECT: Have you criticized the way BLM has protested? If so, did this video change your perspective? What is your reaction to Noah’s metaphor that “Police are looting Black bodies”?

WANT TO GO DEEPER? Trevor Noah speaks HERE about the protests and other hallmarks of this time.

You've come to the end of Week One: The Basics.

Please join us for a Week One Discussion Group on Wednesday, February 10th at 1pm. We also invite you to share your anonymous feedback on this section. The feedback is intentionally anonymous to create a safe space for everyone's opinions, feedback and questions. The goal is for this is to be an open and productive dialogue, not a one-way flow of information. You can share your anonymous feedback HERE.

If you're looking to dive deeper, here are some suggested resources from fellow Buddhans:

Watch "What Does it Mean to be Anti-Racist?" HERE

Watch "There Can Be No Racial Justice Without Housing Desegregation" HERE

Explore the 1619 Project HERE