These past three weeks, since the murder of George Floyd, have seen huge numbers of people take to the streets and join protests against police brutality and anti-Black racism. This newsletter published across four continents to more than 300 subscribers, a small but supportive readership that always responds to important issues, and although the current publication run is finished and many are spending more time working on research or planning for forthcoming courses, it is right and important that we dedicate this issue to explore what it is to be anti-racist and work for equality in the classroom, online, as educators, academics, colleagues.
In this issue, you'll find links to resources that you may wish to explore for yourself or embed within teaching and research. We have provided resources before, to support educators during the time of pandemic and we have used our expertise in technology and language learning to facilitate this. In this case, we have talked to colleagues and aim to use this newsletter to amplify what we have heard elsewhere.
Our work in the Global Languages and Cultures Room is to explore the interplay between culture and language, through the use of immersive technology such as VR we can tell stories from different communities throughout the world. We know that we can do more to amplify Black voices and not just talk about theories and concepts around intercultural but work in a much more intercultural way.
We would like to hear from you and invite your response to this newsletter, either by hitting reply and sending us an email or through our social media channels Instagram and Twitter. We know that there is a great deal of work that needs to be done.
Image - Aurélia Durand
People, Places, and Things
"Teaching Interculturally" by Amy Lee provides a framework for embedding intercultural teaching in your class, through classroom activities and assignments to facilitate communication and reflection, this has been a valuable resource that guides our mission in the Global Languages & Cultures Room.
Robin DiAngelo's White Fragility: Why it's so hard for white people to talk about racism is currently one of many anti-racist books that are at the top of many bestseller lists. You may find it difficult to find currently, but it is worth searching for at your local library or reading through apps such as Libby or hoopla. This is an important book for White people that lays bare white privilege and systemic racism, challenging the defensive "White Fragility" that white people make when challenged racially.
Instagram has provided a great many links for those who wish to support and be an ally to Black people, with practical tips to move forward and make a change. Here are two that have been widely shared. 10 Steps to non-optical ally-ship and I want to be an ally but I don't know what to do
This week many in academia or working in STEM observed #ShutdownSTEM and #ShutdownAcademia, taking a day to pause, reflect and take positive actions in support of anti-racism protests. Harrowing stories from Black academics and students have been shared on the #BlackintheIvory and students at CMU have shared their testimonies, which shows that there is much more work to be done within our institutions.
It is Pride Month and the National Day website carries a timeline of achievements of LGBTQ+ communities throughout the world. This Forbes article talks about the challenges facing this year's celebrations and commemorations, against the backdrop of the protests and in the midst of pandemic.
From Houston, US - Protesters on horseback rally against the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Photograph: Adrees Latif/Reuters - The Guardian UK
Resources and links.
Patia's Fantasy World has curated a google doc of resources and links, including mental health resources for addressing racism in the workplace, resources for educators, and lists of proactive brands and publications. This document is updated regularly, so recommend returning to it.
The ADL is providing resources in support of LGBTQ+ Pride Month specifically for parents, families, and caregivers. This page includes lesson plans which can easily be adapted for the classroom.
The Culturally Responsive Leadership blog has a list of 40+ books for AntiRacist Teachers. These lists have been circulated widely and you will find more lists at the Guardian and NYT.
Learn
In the Global Languages & Cultures Room, we have moved from talking about cultural competence to an aspiration to teach cultural humility. As one of the contributors in this film says - "It is okay, it is okay to ask the question".
The Strategist has a list of organizations, community groups, and charities that you can donate to in support of the protests.
This list is updating all the time, some organizations are no longer accepting donations, so it’s important to check and see where help is needed most. This article from The Cut can help you.