“If you do not change direction, you might end up where you are heading.” – Lao Tzu

With Juneteenth (finally) becoming a federal holiday, it seems like we are slowly moving in the right direction as a country. Social injustices are beginning to become apart of everyday conversations. No longer are we allowing people to act like everything is just fine and dandy. We’re starting to listen to each other more. People are more open to start a dialogue with those who might have different opinions or views.

In this political climate it’s so important to remain educated and open to starting these dialogues. We can’t always assume that everyone is aware of certain issues. Sometimes we have to be willing to enlighten people and we need to be patience with them whist teaching them.

#InmarIdeasThatMatter.

 If you’re looking for ways to better educate yourself, don’t worry I’ve got your back! I’ve curated a list of recommended resources for those who want to learn more about social justice, economic prosperity and ways we can improve the human condition:

Books:

For youth-teen readers:

• You’re Welcome, Universe by Whitney Gardner 
• Internment by Samira Ahmed 
• The Voting Booth by Brandy Colbert
• No Voice Too Small: Fourteen Young Americans Making History by Lindsay H. Metcalf
• Say Her Name (Poems to Empower) by Zetta Elliott 
• This Book Is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do The Work (Empower the Future, 1) by Tiffany Jewell
  

For teen-adult readers: 

• The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
• Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall
• We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
• Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi 
• Dear Martin by Nic Stone 
• The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander

Websites:

• Human Rights Watch: The Human Rights Watch is an incredible website that defends and works towards increased human rights by shining a light on international issues, which helps prompt action by other organizations. The website is very easy to navigate and is extremely user friendly.
• Race Forward: Race Forward was created with the intent of focusing on advocating for racial justice and using their forward-thinking approach to handling racial equality.

Podcasts:

• TED Radio Hour. Each episode of TED Radio Hour unites several different TED talks around a common topic. Topics can range from the human experience to religion to mental health issues.
• Making Sense. Neuroscientist and philosopher Sam Harris blends current events and cognitive science in this delightful podcast.
• Ear Hustle. The first podcast to be entirely created and produced inside a prison, Ear Hustle illustrates both the harshness and deep humanity of life behind bars.
• Strange Fruit. This upbeat podcast covers serval topics including race, politics, pop culture, and LGBTQ+ identity.

Along with being educated on current issues and events, it’s also very important to give back and show your support. Reading and purchasing books or listening to these podcasts is a great way to support those taking who are taking the steps toward change. Donating to a local charity, business or organization is also a great way to show your support. Today I’ve partnered with Inmar Intelligence on their Ideas That Matter campaign to donate $150 to Brave Space Alliance. Brave Space Alliance is the first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ center on the South Side of Chicago. Their mission is to provide assistance through educational and health resources for LGBTQ individuals.