Why this Blog?

"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable."

-Helen Keller (quote excerpt by DG)

What is this blog for?

This started as a resource for me and my friends/family, and their connections, to educate ourselves and be involved and act, however much we can. But even if you don't know me or someone I know, this is for you too. I hope you find it useful.

In general, when we want to learn more about any given topic, we can find it, with time and effort, somewhere on the Internet. I am making this blog to collect links to great resources already made...so others don't need to search and search to find the information they are looking for. I hope it helps you; it helps me anyway.

I select topics related to race and anti-racism; I read, watch videos, find sites that inform me...and post links to them here for our use. You can do your own research too, of course. This blog can not include everything...it is only a starting point.


Why does it matter?

People of Color continue to be discriminated against, receive less opportunities, are treated/shot unfairly, and many more hurtful things. We can work together to bring change. It is important. It matters. It matters now because people are being hurt unfairly every day, including children. It isn't stopping or slowing down.

It also matters because diversity is enriching; the more we know about races other than our own, we become enriched.

What hurts one of us, hurts all of us. (I heard this somewhere, don't credit me for this wise saying.)


Why should anyone take time to become informed?

Without knowing what is going on outside our community (and our comfort zone), we can be unaware of, or forget about the bigger picture where things aren't so safe or pleasant. Yes, we are busy with raising families, working, etc. But the lives of People of Color matter too and everyone is needed to help bring about change. It only takes a little time to read something, watch a video, talk with someone, make a call to a politician, sign a petition...


Why I started this blog

I want to work on growing the community of those talking about race and acting to end racial injustices. I feel it is the most important thing to do.


When did this start and who am I?

One of my sisters lives in Boston and is active in anti-racism efforts: engaging people in discussions, attending community events, and networking with community organizations. I live in a suburb of Boston and am involved with teaching creative skills.

I grew up in many cities, states, and countries, and have been in the minority in Japan, Korea, England, and in the west side of Chicago. I know how it feels to be, at times, the only one of my race/nationality in these places. But I know it wasn't the same (as bad) for me. Being a white American, I was treated fairly and usually with respect.

I am deeply saddened and troubled by police brutality events occurring during the last couple of years, causing us all to be aware of current day discrimination. But I only became personally invested and started getting active after my sister started protesting and later when she asked for help with a call-in campaign in July 2015.

The call-in request asked me to ask 10 others to call too. This led me to question my relationships and wonder who else I knew cared enough about anti-racism that they would call on behalf of those brave ones protesting on behalf of those less fortunate. I am glad I was able to find ten friends who said they would call. (Thank you again if you were one who called.) But it wasn't easy to think of who would call. The work I do now is building a network, and it is growing daily.


How to find information on this blog

I post as I learn about new things, or find time to post them. The posts are listed by date posted on the right side. You can click through the months and read/skim all, or use the page called Blog Map to find something specific...organized by topic (this page is on the top navigation).

Still can't find something you are looking for? You can also search this blog and/or use the tags on the right side of the page. The tag sizes are based on the amount of times that I used them in tagging my posts.


Comments are welcome; this site is a collaboration!

Please comment below if you have a suggestion for another good addition to this blog in general. There are comment boxes on all posts too... to give feedback about any post specifically: suggestions and questions. If you don't want to comment (maybe you don't want your comment to be permanent... or for another reason) tell me if you want me to remove the comment after I read it (and after I maybe integrate the information into what I posted). Your identity can be anonymous.

I am trying to be respectful so please reciprocate if you comment. I would love to hear your suggestions for other helpful sites, and notes on what you are doing to fight injustice. I look forward to hearing from you, either in person or here.

Thanks, DG