Each month Penn's Village Inclusiveness and Diversity Committee recommends several resources to help our members and friends to be more informed and aware, and perhaps even inspired to action, concerning the racial biases in each of us and in our society and the resulting inequities, past and present. These resources, assembled by Lori Dumas and Mike Pulsifer, will represent different mediums, different perspectives and experiences, and diverse authors.
June, 2021
Book:I Am A Girl From Africa by Elizabeth Nyamayaro
Born in Zimbabwe, Elizabeth Nyamayaro has worked at the forefront of global development for over 20 years, improving the lives of underserved populations. She has held leadership positions at the World Bank, World Health Organization, UNAIDS, and UNWOMEN. In her memoir, she weaves a powerful tale of humanitarianism, Africa's history, and what it means to live a life in service of others. Each chapter begins with an African proverb and is peppered with the right amount of humor, genuineness, and optimism. Throughout this memorable account of her impressive life, the author recalls the central, definitive African value and philosophy of ubuntu: “that when we uplift others, we are ourselves uplifted.”
Podcast:James Baldwin’s Shadow
James Baldwin believed that America has been lying to itself since its founding. He wrote, spoke, and thought incessantly about the societal issues that still exist today. As the United States continues to reckon with its history of systemic racism and police misconduct, Dr. Eddie S. Glaude, Jr., guides us through the meaning and purpose of James Baldwin’s work and how his words can help us navigate the current moment. To access this 46-minute, April 29, 2021, podcast published by NPR click on this link: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510333/throughline
Essay:As Anti-Asian Attacks Continue, What Kind of By-stander Are You?
In a May 27, 2021 digital issue of Vanity Fair, R. O. Kwon voices her surprise and disappointment at the abiding and overwhelming white silence many Asian Americans have encountered from even friends and would-be allies. Her essay not only describes many of the acts of hate and violence Asians in American are experiencing but also offers several ways all of us can support our friends and fellow citizens and help to stop these hateful acts and attitudes. To read this article please click on this link:https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2021/05/as-anti-asian-attacks-continue-what-kind-of-bystander-are-y
Film:Fruitvale Station
This 2013 movie is a dramatization of the events leading to the death of Oscar Grant, a young Black man who was killed by a BART police officer at the Fruitvale District Station in Oakland, California. This movie can be viewed on Netflix.
Zoom Program on African American History in Philadelphia
On Friday, June 25th from 2 to 3 pm Amy Cohen, historian/educator/writer/documentary film maker, will present a 40 minute illustrated talk summarizing 500 years of Philadelphia’s African American history. She will display markers and monuments across our city and explain how formal recognition of people, places, and events does—and does not—reveal the deep roots and continuing legacy of the Philadelphia's Black experience. A timeline and list of resources will be emailed to you following the talk should you care to delve deeper into any of the information presented. You may register for this free event sponsored by Friends in the City (FitC) by clicking on this link: https://friendscentercity.wildapricot.org/event-4301010