Racism is not the shark in the water, racism is the water

Why White Learning?

In order for white people to effectively engage in challenging white supremacist culture, it is important to commit to learning about the origins of slavery in the United States and its persistent legacy of systemic racism. It is also important to recognize and let go of white-centering. This is a journey – not a destination – and it is a lifelong commitment for each of us who make it. The evidence of history has shown that as gains are made in equity and inclusion of marginalized people, the purveyors of white supremacy develop new tactics for stopping those gains. Thus the need for ongoing learning.

The NAACP Berkshire County Branch Vision 2025 enumerates multiple avenues of the Branch’s commitment to increasing awareness and learning among its members and the broader community. This begins with framing our Aspirations for Ourselves in “Core Ideas & Definitions about Race & Racism” that we strive to help all our members fully understand.

Getting started on your own

If you do not wish to engage in a structured program, but you still want to be learning, try Reimagined. It is free (donations gratefully accepted) and delivered to your email. Each issue provides perspective on a timely topic in clear and succinct prose.

Going Deeper

If you wish to do more than just a daily email on your own, look over  Resources for White Learning, which provides a list of books and other media created by Black scholars and artists and arranged by topics

Resources for White Learning

Working with Others

The Branch provides two programs to support white learning. Each provides a structure, timeframe, connection with others, and a curated list of Black-created resources. These authors ask different questions and approach issues from perspectives that challenge white-centered beliefs, policies, and practices on all fronts.

The White Learning Circle is an immersive learning program for a small group (10-12 participants) that meets via Zoom every other week and uses a common learning plan and resource list for individual learning.  Click  here    for more information.
The Basics is for those who want to be part of a structured learning environment with support and connection with others, but cannot commit the time required to participate in the White Learning Circle.  The Basics is just 6 Zoom sessions in the Fall covering the history of slavery and the personal impact it continues to have on all of us.   The learning plan is similar to the full White Learning Circle.  Click here for more information.