I Can Make a Difference Manual: Resources
BLM Resources for Teens
1619
This podcast series from the New York Times, hosted by Pulitzer Award winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, explores the repercussions of slavery in America.
Code Switch
This NPR podcast, led by multiple hosts from a variety of ages and ethnicities, looks at race, ethnicity, and culture in America.
TED Talks to Help You Understand Racism in America
TED has curated a playlist of 25 TED Talks that discuss racism in America. Hear from esteemed speakers such as Kimberlé Crenshaw, Bryan Stevenson (author of Just Mercy), the founders of the Black Lives Matter movement, and more.
Kanopy’s List of Social & Systemic Injustice Films
Kanopy has listed 38 documentaries in its collection about racism and injustice. All titles are free to watch through the library’s Kanopy subscription. Films include America After Ferguson and Assaulted: Civil Rights Under Fire.
Institutional Racism in the US Explained through a Michael Jackson Song
TRT World examines Michael Jackson’s song “They Don’t Care About Us” to explain the wealth gap created by redlining and other racist practices in the US.
Kojo For Kids: Jason Reynolds
Jason Reynolds, author of Long Way Down, joins Kojo For Kids (a Kojo Nnamdi Show segment featuring guests of special interest to young listeners) to help kids and teens understand what has led to the tensions and why racism persists and what we can do to build a less racist society.
Systemic Racism Explained
This 4 minute youtube cartoon from Act.tv illustrates the systemic nature of racism in America such as redlining and other practices.
Juneteenth Book Fest: Writing for Black Kids with MG
Authors Kwame Mbalia, Karen Strong, and Alicia D. Williams, moderated by Nic Stone, discuss writing for kids ages eight through twelve, and the magic of middle grade stories.
Speak Up Series
A YouTube conversational series created by Black teens that features their friends and peers to help raise awareness about the racial inequality and systemic racism facing the Black community.
30 Powerful Reactions to the Ferguson Decision from Teens & Young Adults
Huffington Post captures the voices of 30 teens on social media reacting to the Ferguson decision.
Reading About Race: Free YA Book Club Resources
A list of teen book recommendations, discussion questions, and related reading lists compiled by the American Library Association.
Activist New York
The Museum of the City of New York has curated a special exhibition of New York’s history of activism, dating back to the 18th century through the present day. And now, a chance to contribute your own images! Use #ActivistNY on Instagram and Twitter to add to their exhibition.
National Museum of African American History & Culture
Enjoy several online exhibitions from the Smithsonian’s newest museum. Experience James Baldwin’s home in France, explore Dr. King’s 1968 Poor People’s Campaign, and more.
A Frank Conversation (YA Literature, Police Brutality, and the Nuances of Black Storytelling)
Entertainment Weekly captures a conversation between YA authors Nic Stone (Dear Martin) and Kim Johnson (This Is My America).
The Guide to Allyship
Amélie Lamont and other contributing authors have created a comprehensive guide to allyship for anyone seeking to be a better ally for any marginalized group.
Young Adult Anti-Racism and Social Justice Resources
A site full of links to websites and articles to help teens and young adults educate themselves on racism and social justice issues.
Privilege Checklist
The Privilege Checklist was developed by Corinne Lightweaver, Sasha King, and members of the Jewish Multiracial Network online discussion group, 2006–2009, to teach about the widening range of privilege experienced in the Jewish community.
Exploring New York's Black History
New York state offers a variety of gateways into the legacy of African Americans and current happenings, using the state's parks, historic sites, the State Historic Preservation Office, I LOVE NY's Paths Through History, and partnering organizations.
People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond
The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond, a national, multiracial, anti-racist collective of organizers and educators, is dedicated to building a movement for social transformation. Its aim is to undo racism and other forms of oppression.
