The Reading List: June 6, 2020
Shannon
If you haven’t read Ta-Nehisi Coates’ “The Case For Reparations” yet, please do yourself a favor and do so.
Please stop watching “The Help.” There have been so many other movies and documentaries shared over the past several days. And while I’m at it, please stop watching “Green Book,” “The Blind Side,” and “Remember the Titans.” Here are some movies to watch instead.
The wealth gap between Black Americans and white Americans is staggering.
Miserable is exactly how we should all be feeling right now.
Moira
I know many of us are still struggling with COVID/national unrest-related short attention spans, but still want to continue to educate ourselves about systemic inequality, so here is a list of documentaries to watch! In the best of times I struggle to get through a particularly dense nonfiction book, so I have been finding this helpful to continue to learn through these times.
On the subject of shorter formats, we should all be reading more James Baldwin than ever now.
The outside agitator theory is a dangerous myth.
While I live in a neighborhood with a great deal of Black-owned businesses that I make the effort to patronize, Cup of Jo compiled a list of Black-owned digital retailers to support.
I really really couldn’t love John Mulaney more. His tweeting this week has also been amazing.
Elizabeth
I’m headed down to the White House later today for some casual social disobedience, and I really appreciated the tips in this article: How to Attend Protests Safely During a Global Pandemic
Speaking of the White House, I know you all saw the vulgar mess that was Trump’s photo op in front of St. John's on Monday night (fun fact: I’ve attended that church several times, and it is an absolutely lovely spot) — well, in the perfect level of petty, DC’s Mayor painted the giant mural you see above on my street. I know so much more needs to be done in my city, but I so love this gesture.
Not everyone can be out in the streets protesting, or donating large sums of money, but one way to support Black people right now is to support Black-owned businesses in your community. During quarantine, I have been treating myself to takeout once a week, and I’m now ordering from Black-owned restaurants. Bon Appetit compiled all of the lists of Black-owned restaurants in major cities nationwide, and if you are able, I urge you to check it out. For me? I ordered Cork Wine Bar last night, and I really enjoyed my truffle fries, spicy Brussels, and avocado toast.
Mama Maxine brings the heat, once again: Don’t Call it Rioting.
I feel like my anxiety is at an all-time high, and I know I’m not the only one going through this. One of the things that brought a smile to my face this week was this: How I Keep Calm - Arm Workouts Done to the Tune of Celine Dion
