Commitments to Address Anti-Blackness

In the summer of 2020 – after the murder of George Floyd and the peaceful global protests that emerged in response – the Division of Student Affairs began to evaluate the degree to which our work could more immediately address our own anti-Black, racist practices and policies from a place of humility and action.
Each unit outlined a series of initial commitments to address anti-Blackness in our work at UC San Diego. It is important to remember that this is, and will always be, an imperfect work in progress that we will advance collaboratively.
Annual Progress Reports
In determining how to assess and evaluate our effectiveness in this endeavor, we committed to report on our progress annually each August.
Anti-Racist Toolkit
Many have been looking for resources to educate themselves, find community, and look for ways to take action. Below, we have included resources to empower you to take action, support community building, and care for yourself and others.
This Anti-Racist Toolkit (PDF) shows some initial steps you can take right now to begin anti-racism work.
VC-EDI Anti-Racism Resources
In addition to the resources below, we encourage you to review EDI's compilation of anti-racism resources.
How to learn more and take action
Resources for Support and Action, compiled by the Cross Cultural Center
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Courses at UC San Diego
Racial Equity Tools
Mixed Race Identities
Cultural Appropriation
Disabilities & Disability Justice
How to be in community
How to have conversations about anti-blackness, racism, and privilege
Talking about Racism, Racial Equity and Racial Healing with Friends, Family, Colleagues and Neighbors
Letters for Black Lives
Talking About Blackness in America
White Privilege
Intersectionality
Power, Privilege, and Oppression
Race and Racial Justice
Male Privilege and ‘Masculinity’
Juneteenth resources and events
Juneteenth (June 19) is the annual holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Below is a compendium of articles and resources, along with information about some virtual events taking place to observe Juneteenth.
- The History of Juneteenth
- How to Celebrate Juneteenth
- Teaching Juneteenth, from the Southern Poverty Law Center's Teaching Tolerance project
- History of Juneteenth lecture presented by Dr. Shennette Garrett-Scott at the Allen Public Library
- This 41-minute lecture traces the history of Juneteenth events from the late nineteenth century freedmen colonies and settlements' celebrations to the present community events.
- PBS show illuminating the significance of the Juneteenth holiday and sharing stories about black culture and history
- This 26-minute episode features highlights from 12 years of Juneteenth Jamboree shows.
- Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture - The Coming of Freedom: Celebrating Juneteenth
- Virtual tour of the Slavery and Freedom exhibition at the National Museum of African American History & Culture
How to contact political representatives
How to Contact your Elected Officials
Triton Tools and Tidbits Podcast - Lobbying 101: How to Network for a Cause
Associated Students at UC San Diego
How to care for yourself and prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional well-being
Recommended reading
We encourage you to read books and articles from the list below:
10 Unapologetic Books About Race in America
Curriculum for White Americans to Educate Themselves on Race and Racism–from Ferguson to Charleston
For student affairs professionals:
A CRT-Informed Model to Enhance Experiences and Outcomes of Racially Minoritized Students (PDF)
(Note: the readings listed here provide a wide array of thoughts and perspectives on how to do anti-racism work. You may be challenged by some, you may disagree with some, and you hopefully will have questions about a lot of it. The important thing is that you’re reading up and educating yourself). Being an ally/accomplice requires you to educate yourself about systemic racism in this country.
More Tools to Support Social Justice
How to have conversations about LGBTQIA, gender, and feminism
Gender Identity and Expression: Transgender and Non-Binary Gender Identities
Trans and Queer People of Color Experiences
Black Feminism & Womanism
Bisexual+: Bisexual, Pansexual, Fluid, & Queer Identities
Women, Girls, & Gender Justice
LGBTQIA Allyship
Asexuality and Ace Communities
Intersex Identities
Trans and Queer People of Color Experiences
Black Feminism & Womanism
Bisexual+: Bisexual, Pansexual, Fluid, & Queer Identities
Women, Girls, & Gender Justice
LGBTQIA Allyship
Asexuality and Ace Communities
Intersex Identities