Initiatives and Programs

In order to support and sustain diversity and equity at Sonoma State University, as well as in the local, regional and global communities we serve, we must directly confront bias and racism at the individual, institutional, and systemic levels. Below is a list of resources and iniaitives to help educate and address anit-racism at SSU.

Antiracism Initiatives

Critical Dialogues Across Differences
Brave Spaces: SSU Community gatherings to discuss unrest related to antiblackness
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Trainings and Presenations
Common Reading Program: Antiracism Education
Social Justice Center
Restorative Justice Program
"8 minutes and 46 seconds" Ted Talk Series (Title refers to the length of time that Derek Chauvin had his knee on George Floyd's neck.)

Antiracsim Resources

Articles

Books

Documentaries

13th (Netflix)-Director Ava DuVernay's examination of the U.S. prison system looks at how the country's history of racial inequality drives the high rate of incarceration in America.
I Am Not Your Negro -A 2016 documentary film directed by Raoul Peck , based on James Baldwin 's unfinished manuscript Remember This House. Narrated by actor Samuel L. Jackson , the film explores the history of racism in the United States through Baldwin's reminiscences of civil rights leaders Medgar Evers , Malcolm X , and Martin Luther King Jr., as well as his personal observations of American history .
The Color of Fear-Insightful, groundbreaking film about the state of race relations in America as seen through the eyes of eight North American men of Asian, European, Latino and African descent
Anatomy of Hate -The Anatomy of Hate reveals the shared narratives found in hat, and how we as a species can overcome them.

Movies

Just Mercy -Based on the life work of civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, is one resource we can humbly offer to those who are interested in learning more about the systemic racism that plagues our society.”
The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson-Marsha P Johnson was an American gay liberation activist. She was also a key player in the 1969 Stonewall uprising. Though her untimely death was initially ruled a suicide, this documentary sees activist Victoria Cruz try to find justice for her friend.
The Best of Enemies-The true story of the unlikely relationship between Ann Atwater, an outspoken civil rights activist, and C.P. Ellis, a local Ku Klux Klan leader.
Green Book- Set in 1962, the film is inspired by the true story of a tour of the Deep South by African American classical and jazz pianist Don Shirley and Italian American bouncer Frank "Tony Lip" Vallelonga who served as Shirley's driver and bodyguard.
Injustice- Focusing on the struggles for justice by the families of people who have died in police custody, beginning with the British case of David Oluwale in 1969, this film shows the wall of secrecy, bureaucracy and lies the grieving families are met with.
The Hate U Give-The Hate U Give tells the story of Starr, who witnesses her friend shot dead by police after reaching for his hairbrush. While friends and family from Starr's neighborhood take to the streets to protest, her predominantly white private school friends and boyfriend struggle to understand.
Selma-As Black residents peacefully march for their rights to vote alongside Martin Luther King Jr. (played by David Oyelowo), police attack and murder the protestors, using both batons and legislation against them. A telling look into the many, many ways Black people are oppressed.

Videos

Implicit Bias -- how it affects us and how we push through This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Everyone makes assumptions about people they don’t know. Melanie will teach us to recognize these assumptions and work toward a common understanding.
Systemic Racism Explained : Systemic racism affects every area of life in the US. From incarceration rates to predatory loans, and trying to solve these problems requires changes in major parts of our system. Here's a closer look at what systemic racism is, and how we can solve it.
I'm New to Social Justice : This playlist features videos that have feature concepts that are foundational to social justice and the movement to dismantle racism.
I'm Ready to Dig Deep : This playlist is for folks who have begun their journey as an anti-racist ally but want to dig deeper into the work.
I Want to Be a Better Ally : The videos in the playlist examine some of the common bumps in the road people experience on their path as an ally and how to overcome them.
I'm White and I Want to do Better : Are you a white person ready that wants to start your journey as an anti-racist ally but don't know where to start? This playlist is for you.
Tim Wise: On White Privilege-Wise provides a non-confrontational explanation of white privilege and the damage it does not only to people of color, but to white people as well.
Nate Boyer on suggesting Colin Kaepernick kneel instead of sit during anthem-Former Army Green Beret and NFL player Nate Boyer joins First Take to discuss the current status of NFL players protesting President Donald Trump after he suggested Colin Kaepernick kneel instead of sit during the national anthem over a year ago.