We stand in support of and solidarity with a community in pain. Heinemann is dedicated to teachers. Implicit in these words is our obligation to help dismantle the systemic racism and inequity that exist in our country. We understand how much work there is to be done, and we recognize our responsibility.
Three years ago, Heinemann undertook a large-scale initiative to examine issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a result, our team and our authors, the teachers whose voices we amplify and who influence our work, are more representative of the world we live in, and we are learning. But progress has been slow, and we now recognize this is simply not enough.
The only way to end white supremacy is to address the systems that allow it to continue. With other educators, we will lean harder into anti-racism. As we educate ourselves and through our ongoing action, you will see our commitment demonstrated in the faces, the words, and the work of our authors and employees.
◊ ◊ ◊
This week on our social media channels you’ll find suggestions for anti-racist resources that we are reading and learning from. We hope you’ll share your own recommendations and your thoughts as we work together to be anti-racist.
- Anti-Racism for Beginners + White People: addresses common questions and lists other resources to start with
- Anti-racism Resources: a great resource intended for white people who are looking to become better allies (includes sources for parents to talk to children, podcasts, etc.
- A Guide to White Privilege: a quick graphic guide to what white privilege means
- Dr. Ibram X. Kendi: history professor, director of the Antiracism Center, prolific writer. Below is just a small sampling of the work he has put out there.
- How to be an Antiracist (book)
- The American Nightmare (article)
- An Anti-Racist Reading List (article)
- Stamped (conversation with Jason Reynolds and Trevor Noah). And be sure to download the educator's guide written by curriculum developer and Heinemann author Sonja Cherry-Paul.
- A List of Anti-Racist Books and Anti-Racist Bestsellers: Check out this list for more great anti-racist books. part of the proceeds will be donated to Brooklyn Community Bail Fund, the Minnesota Freedom Fund, and the family of George Floyd.
- Asian Communities Must Desert the American Empire and Protect Black Lives
- GLAAD's statement
- BookCon Panels
- The LA Protest Didn’t ‘Get Violent’ — The Police Did
- Trevor Noah's Thoughts on George Floyd, the Protest, Etc.
For Educators
- Let's Talk About Anti-Blackness
- Anti-Black Racism Classroom and Curriculum Strategies: a list of resources to address anti-black racism in the classroom
- Black Lives Matter by Teaching Tolerance
Call to Action
- Black Lives Matter Ways You Can Help: list of things you can do right now (donate money, sign petitions, educate yourself, etc.)
- 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice
Donate
- Community bail funds: you can split your donation evenly between all 38 bail funds are allocate specific amounts
- How to Support Protesters in Every City: breaks down city specific organizations
- Note: the Minnesota Freedom Fund and Brooklyn Community Bail fund are urging people to donate elsewhere, because they’ve each received so many donations at this point.
- Bookshop: again part of the proceeds will be donated to Brooklyn Community Bail Fund, the Minnesota Freedom Fund, and the family of George Floyd
