‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’- Nelson Mandela
I’ve referenced Mr Mandela’s quote a number of times in a few of my human rights essays and I strongly believe in the process of unlearning is the new learning. I was brought up during a time where education system was rigid, we were never taught the true history of our country (Singapore and Australia), our indigenous/first nation roots and there were limited or no discussions on real issues such as racial and minority inequalities. It’s like a white elephant in the room.
Lack of awareness to racism can help perpetuate it. To counter that and change the narrative we can actively engage in education on anti racism, indigenous rights and minority rights. I want to raise my son to be conscientious individual and to do that I want to be mindful on the sources I'm teaching him.
I've listed down some recommended reads compiled by various sources, do you have any books which you would like to include to this list?
- You Matter by Christian Robinson
- The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas
- This book is anti-racist by Tiffany Jewel
- Chocolate Milk, Por Favor: Celebrating Diversity with Empathy by Maria Dismondy.
- Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Familys Fight for Desegregation By Duncan Tonatiuh
- Ibram X. Kendi’s children’s book, AntiRacist Baby
- My Country by Ezekiel Kwaymullina
Lailah's Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story by Reem Faruqi
- Happy in Our Skin Hardcover by Fran Manushkin
- Same, Same But Different by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw
- All Are Welcome Hardcover by Alexandra Penfold
- Welcome To Country by Lisa Kennedy, Aunty Joy Murphy
- Respect by Aunty Fay Muir, Sue Lawson, Lisa Kennedy
- Hello, Hello by Indigenous Literacy Foundation, Children from the Spinifex Writing Camp
- Who’s in My Family? All About Our Families by Robie H Harris
- Children in Our World: Racism and Intolerance by Louise Spilsbury
#learning #antiracism