The communities of Aldersgate and Generations are committed to being antiracist. That means we are going to LISTEN, LEARN and ACT. We will use our unearned privilege to identify and dismantle inequitable systems for the benefit of our elders, our staff team member and our community. #BlackLivesMatter
Listen to “The American Dream”, our latest Aldersgate OnAir podcast, featuring Boris Henderson, Aldersgate’s Chief Strategy Officer and Veronica Calderon’s, Aldersgate’s former Chief Diversity, Inclusion & Equity Officer. They will discuss what it will finally take to leave outdated ways of thinking behind, as they speak honestly from their personal experiences on growing up in an America that treats people differently based on the color of their skin.
Yes, there’s a lot to learn. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to stay engaged by simply watching, reading, listening and using social media. From movies to documentaries to podcasts to books to articles, we’ve compiled a list of groundbreaking media to get you started. Whether you’ve been antiracist for years or just learned the term today, these resources will help you fill in the knowledge gap. Sincerest thanks to Sarah Sophie Flicker and Alyssa Klein, Veronica Calderon, Boris Henderson and Jonathan T.M Reckford for their recommendations.
We believe being “not racist” is no longer enough. Being “antiracist” is an active commitment requiring both inner and outer work on ourselves and our communities. We invite you to check out the compilation of actions below, for those of you who wish to become stronger allies in the racial justice movement or simply want to be more informed. Thank you for your courage!
CEO of Habitat for Humanity International
Drawing upon his decades of experience ranging from Wall Street to a local church, Jonathan has led the global nonprofit’s tremendous growth. Through his management, Habitat has grown from serving 125,000 individuals a year to helping more than 7 million people last year alone build strength, stability and independence through shelter.
Jonathan is deeply influenced by his parents who were active in the civil rights movement, and by his grandmother, U.S. Congresswoman Millicent Fenwick, widely known for her commitment to justice. Jonathan seeks to follow in their footsteps by leading Habitat’s efforts to draw nearer to a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Read
Watch
Writer Alyssa Klein and activist and filmmaker Sarah Sophie Flicker compiled a public google doc with over 75 anti-racism resources for white people and parents to deepen their anti-racism work.
Resources for white parents to raise anti-racist children
Books
Podcasts
Articles
The Conscious Kid: follow them on Instagram and consider signing up for their Patreon
Articles to read
Videos to watch
Podcasts to subscribe to
Books to read
Films and TV series to watch
Here are actions you can take to start making a difference today. Recognized that change is possible and that we may be near a positive tipping point that is long overdue. Your awareness, words, actions, financial contributions, participation, support, and social media activity matter more than ever. We want to thank to Jonathan T.M. Reckford and Alyssa Klein for their contribution to this list.
Take Action
Organizations to follow on social media
More anti-racism resources to check out
James Truslow Adams, coined the term “The American Dream” in his 1931 book The Epic of America. His American Dream is “that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. … It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position.” In this very special double episode, we’ll explore this definition of The American Dream and what it will take to make it a reality.
We’re joined today by two very special guests who work tirelessly to make the world a better place: Boris Henderson, Aldersgate’s Chief Strategy Officer and Veronica Calderon, Aldersgate’s former Chief Diversity, Inclusion & Equity Officer. Boris and Veronica speak from their personal experiences on growing up in an America that treats people differently based on the color of their skin, and answer questions about what it will take to leave behind outdated ways of thinking and acting to come up with some real-world collaborative solutions. And because the best way to solve a problem is to start with the truth, they will be speaking unedited, honestly, and from the heart.
To learn more about Aldersgate, please call (704) 532-7000 or check out our Lifestyle section.
