Many people find conversations about race uncomfortable and divisive especially amid intensified negative emotions. With the help of social media, social media activism, and widespread coverage, we are continuously viewing damaging racially motivated incidents. The State v. Chauvin trial was an event that led to individuals and communities reliving complex emotions from the previous year. As the verdict neared, many cities, communities, and organizations across America prepared for the aftermath. It seemed many either watched or waited, perhaps both, for the Minnesota courtroom to exact some measure of justice. It is not inconceivable that the same pursuit of "liberty and justice" is very different for many, if not for all.
For All is as inclusive and as diverse as it gets. While diversity is a strength, it also means the verdict will likely impact each of us differently. Some may not feel as "united" as we would hope. Commonly, people struggle to engage in difficult conversations – race, trauma, and our well-being can be challenging. Despite the challenge, recognizing vulnerabilities is necessary for our process of achieving social justice.
The flood of media information and the current events can be exhausting and further traumatizing. We understand this and want to reaffirm DCIU’s commitment to equity and well-being. Our diversity is our strength, and that asset will persist beyond the verdict. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization.
DCIU has compiled the following resources that can help to navigate critical conversations and support social justice endeavors. If we can support you or your teams in this important work, please contact Dr. Daryl Hawkins, Coordinator of Equity and Diversity at dhawkins@dciu.org.
DCIU Resources to Support Conversations Around Race
5 Ways to Approach Racial Equity at Work (PBS)
- Provides productive ways to navigate discussions about race in the workplace
- Advances how to advocate and support colleagues
- Recommends the prioritization of mental health through the lens of persistent trauma
- Disseminates additional services to explore wellness and mental health services
- Supports productive classroom discussion concerning national news stories
- Provides resources to K-12 lessons regarding our current or timely events
- Directs attention to negative effects of over exposure to violence.via social media
- Creates awareness concerning the signs of trauma in the classroom
- Facilitates ability to more effectively manage race-related stress
- Supports appropriate engagement in self-care to sufficiently take care of their children
- Provides insight to America as “rooted in both inequity and opportunity”
- Promotes understanding the depths of an American identity
- Provides guidance for dialogue, well-being, managing emotions, and safety
- Links to additional NASP resourecs for social justice and school safety
- Supports educators in navigating a discussion with students as news unfolds
- Builds recommendations on the Psychological First Aid (PFA) framework
- Supports teachers in thinking ahead about how to create emotional safety in the classroom
- Combines strategies with teacher knowledge to create a specific and personalized plan
- Focuses on equity within educational communities
- Supports a wide array of equity topics
DCIU Resources to Support Our Asian Communities
Historical Context
The Chinese Exclusion Act: Trailer | American Experience (PBS)
- Informs people of the challenge when a system seems to support beliefs and acts
- Adds historical perspective that impacts today
- Understanding laws in place
- Potentially helps others grasp the depths of sense of feeling “othered”
COVID-19 Context
Asian Americans Face a Wave of Discrimination During the Pandemic (PBS)
- Has classroom activities and lesson plans
- Can match state standards and import to Google Classroom
Talking about Anti-Asian Hate Crimes and Racism
Analysis: How parents can support kids through (and beyond) the latest wave of anti-Asian American violence (CNN)
- Facilitates parent’s ability to engage children and provide functional knowledge
- Supports parents dialogue with children and identifies opportunities to continue the conversation
- Provides resources for schools, classrooms, and families for opening conversations around bias and injustice
- Resources for engaging students in allyship with the AAPI community
- Student-sourced perspectives and resources
- Incorporates mental health resources, learning, information, and community organizations
Original source can be found here.
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