Black lives matter. Black stories matter. Black people matter.
The responsibility is on me to put in the work. It is my obligation to listen then amplify the voices of so many who go unheard, are drowned out, or get overlooked. As part of my commitment to our black teens I promise to listen and educate myself so that I can continue to support you. I will make mistakes though and I'm counting on my teens in the community to call me out on it.
If you are not sure where to start when it comes to educating yourself, please check out some of my book recommendations and actions you can take below:
Teen Nonfiction about Racism + Racial Inequality
Teen Stories about Racism + Racial Inequality
Teen Nonfiction by Black Authors
Teen Stories featuring Black Characters
Take Action
Look at this comprehensive Google Doc with Resources for Accountability and Action for Black Lives.
Change needs to happen at the local level where decisions directly impact the community. Please look at the #8CantWait project by Campaign Zero.
Visit The Trevor Project's page dedicated to Supporting Black LGBTQ Youth Mental Health.
Stay strong. Stay loud. Stay fighting. More resources and information to come soon.
“We've got to face the fact that some people say you fight fire best with fire, but we say you put fire out best with water. We say you don't fight racism with racism. We're gonna fight racism with solidarity.” -Fred Hampton
--Stephanie Johnson, Teen and Technology Librarian
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