I've watched and read some insightful movies and books (still working on the books). There are plenty more resources but I wanted to highlight on the ones that left a huge impact on me.
- Get Out. This movie is a horror film, but the vast amount of symbolism in the film made it feel so real. One example of symbolism was the auction of Chris' (the main character) photo at his girlfriend's family gathering, a symbol of slavery. The countless microaggressions directed at Chris made my skin crawl. This movie helped me understand more on how uncomfortable it is to have countless microaggressions thrown at you.
- Warriors Don't Cry by Melba Pattillo Beals. This book is a memoir based on the integrated of Central High School in Little Rock. Even only a few chapters in, I found multiple parallels to news stories about racism. The main character, Melba, was one of nine students chosen to attend and integrate the school. It provided insight on the realities of racism through the education system. Melba prefaces a true and chilling lesson that "If one person is denied equality, we are all denied equality."
- The Hate U Give. The movie painted a picture of the current Black Lives Matter movement. Starr witnessed the loss of her best friend due to police brutality. A hard watch, but a chilling reminder of the existence of racism.
- In The Shadow Of Statues by Mitch Landrieu. This is another true story of Mitch recounting his father's influence in integrating New Orleans as state legislator and mayor in the 1960s and 1970s. In the introduction, there is a quote, stating "The past is never dead, it's not even past." (Faulkner) I am only a small chunk in, but the few parts I've read serve as another chilling reminder that racism is not dead, despite integration of cities and schools.
