Level 1: Reading and Writing

Do some reading about the way inequity shows up in the greater U.S. context, and in educational spaces.

If you’re new to reflective practice we encourage you to take a look at the list of essays by Allan Johnson, listed under “I’m Glad You Asked.”

https://www.agjohnson.us/glad/arent-systems-just-people/

Once you have read an essay, take a moment to answer the following questions;

1. What is something new I learned while reading this essay?
2. How did reading this essay make me feel?
3. Where might I have felt resistance instead of curiosity, and why do I think that happened?
4. How does learning about this improve my skill as an educator?

Share your reflection with a trusted friend or colleague.

Cleveland is home to some amazing resources regarding equity. Consider applying for Article 26 professional development funds to engage in workshops such as the one below, to advance your practice.

https://3rdspaceactionlab.co/2023rei

To learn more about systemic oppression in the United States, there are numerous insightful books that provide historical context, analysis, and personal perspectives on this complex issue. Here are five books that can help you better understand systemic oppression in the U.S.:

“The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness” by Michelle Alexander

• This book explores how the American criminal justice system has disproportionately impacted Black communities and argues that it functions as a form of systemic oppression akin to the Jim Crow laws.

“Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America” by Ibram X. Kendi

• Kendi’s comprehensive work traces the history of racist ideas in the United States and their impact on policies, institutions, and societal attitudes, shedding light on systemic racism.

“Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City” by Matthew Desmond

• Desmond’s book examines the housing crisis and the eviction epidemic in America, demonstrating how systemic inequalities and discrimination contribute to the cycle of poverty.

“The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America” by Richard Rothstein

• This book explores the government’s role in creating and maintaining racial segregation in housing, providing a detailed historical account of housing policies and their lasting impact on communities.

“Power, Privilege and Difference”

By Alan Johnson

• Alan Johnson’s book ‘Power, Privilege, and Difference’ explores the complex interplay of social power dynamics, privilege, and inequality, offering insights into the structures that perpetuate systemic oppression and offering strategies for creating a more equitable society.

How Does It Feel to Be a Problem? By Moustafa Bayoumi

• This book presents a compelling collection of narratives, revealing the experiences of young Arab and Muslim Americans living in the aftermath of 9/11 and shedding light on the challenges they face as they navigate identity, belonging, and discrimination in the United States.

Racism Without Racists: Color-Blind Racism and the Persistence of Racial Inequality in the United States” by Eduardo Bonilla-Silva

• This book provides insights into how racial inequality persists in a seemingly “color-blind” society and how this manifests in higher education.

“Unequal Higher Education: Wealth, Status, and Student Opportunity” by Barrett J. Taylor and Brendan Cantwell

• Focusing on the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities within higher education, this book explores how class and race intersect to shape students’ experiences and outcomes.

“Blackballed: The Black and White Politics of Race on America’s Campuses” by Lawrence Ross

• Lawrence Ross offers a critical examination of racial dynamics on college campuses, including issues related to discrimination, racial profiling, and the experiences of Black students.

These books offer a range of perspectives and analyses on systemic oppression in the United States, including its historical roots and contemporary manifestations. Reading them can provide a deeper understanding of the systemic issues that continue to affect marginalized communities in the U.S.

Which one will you commit to reading?