Anti-Racism Writing From Sharon Hurley Hall in October 2020
Welcome to my monthly roundup of anti-racism articles from my fairly new newsletter. I know many of you enjoy those articles and I want to make sure you don’t miss any.
If you’re wondering about the weird title, the explanation is my September roundup.
So, what did I write about in October 2020?
Internalized Racism: The Elephant in the Room
Early in the month, I talked about internalized racism, which is endemic among descendants of enslaved people. In fact, it’s what happens after centuries of the “white is always right” approach. In this article, I talk about how it happens, and suggest some approaches for moving forward.
“For generations you have been denied a true account of your history and taught to hate your Black skin. Worse yet, you don’t even realize it.”
The Battle for Representation Starts in Childhood
In this article, I share some of the childhood experiences that “other” Black people. They’re things most white kids never have to consider, but which mark Black kids out as alien from early in their lives.
“In most of [the books I read], there were no Black characters (at least none that I recognized), and no Black characters in major roles. I didn’t think about it; it was just how it was.”
Let’s Talk About Black Joy
Of course, it’s not all doom and gloom. There are moments when Black people experience joy and we need to recognize those. This article was an attempt to highlight some of the few times when all’s right with the world.
“Sometimes it’s when you catch the eye of someone who looks like you. There’s a world of empathy and understanding in a simple nod. For that brief moment, you see and are seen, and it’s a balm to the spirit.”
Anti-Racism Writer Interviews
One of the joyous things for me about becoming an anti-racism writer is meeting others of like mind, and I want everyone to know about them. That’s why I’ve started the Meet an Anti-Racism Writer feature in my newsletter, and I had some great interviews this past month.
Meet Marley K., Anti-Racism Writer
First, there was Marley K.
, who is always speaking #truthtopower. Her interview was no exception, and I think you’ll enjoy it.
“I wanted to talk about the casual ways White people erase Black people daily. Once I started, I never looked back. I was writing and dissecting subjects all Black people are experts in. I wanted White people to see all the ways they injure and erase us while highlighting how they undermine Black lives.”
Meet Jeanette C. Espinoza, Anti-Racism Writer
Then, there was Jeanette C. Espinoza
, who has been writing about racism and inequality for a long time. She focuses on healing the trauma of racism for future generations.
“Even if I am only able to touch a few people, my hope is to help create a safe and just society for my children, future grandchildren, and all people of color. We have endured so much simply because we were born with Black skin in a country built on White supremacy, and my desire is to help heal our trauma through engaging and honest articles and books.”
Meet Anti-Racism Writer, Allison Gaines
Finally, there was Allison Gaines
, who covers both racism and public health. I’ve found her articles enlightening. She says:
“Writing about race has its ups and downs. Some people offered unequivocal support, while others condemned my actions and admonished me personally. As an anti-racist writer, I expect opposition. In that respect, I am willing to deal with the negativity because I believe in exposing injustices.”
Check out the full interviews to learn more about these excellent writers and hear about the anti-racism writing that’s inspiring them.
In addition to all this, I’ve shared some of the articles I’ve been reading via my reading list roundups, and I’ve kept paid subscribers up to date with my other anti-racism work.
That’s it for this month. I’ve got some great articles planned for November 2020, including interviews with Catherine Pugh, Esq. and others. You know what to do if you don’t want to miss them. 🙂
© Sharon Hurley Hall, 2020
This article was originally published on Medium. Photo by Koshu Kunii on Unsplash
