Anti-racism Library Resource Guide: INTRODUCTION

“The very serious function of racism is distraction. It keeps you from doing your work. It keeps you explaining, over and over again, your reason for being.” Toni Morrison

This anti-racism guide was created as a direct challenge to racist beliefs and practices. Its publication follows the release of the LBCC Cultural Affinity Resource Guides, which were designed to help individuals explore, learn, understand, and build empathy toward marginalized communities. These affinity guides serve as counter-narratives, pushing back against misinformation and harmful stereotypes.

As we developed this anti-racism guide, we grappled with important questions: Would it be perceived as antagonistic? How could we ensure it was both meaningful and impactful, rather than just another DEIA buzzword exercise? What if it was misinterpreted as promoting "reverse racism"? How could we center and amplify voices of color? And how could we provide resources that support individuals in navigating the racial trauma that might surface during this work?

With these concerns in mind, we approached the curation of resources with deep thoughtfulness and care. In the words of James Baldwin, “you mean it or you don’t.” Now is the time to shift from talking about anti-racism to actively practicing it. It is time to transform knowledge into wisdom. Knowledge is acquired through learning, exposure and experience. Wisdom is the quality of information, the application of the knowledge and sharing knowledge with generations to come.

We recognize that meaningful change takes time and that missteps are inevitable. But our challenge to everyone is this: Stand by your words. Commit to the work. Mean what you say.