Being Mindful of Race, Some Resources From Ruth King
Image from ruthking.net
"In light of the nationwide heartburn and outrage in our communities as it relates to the recent killing of Michael Brown (and so many other Black unarmed boys and men), I wanted to pass on a few resources to dharma teachers I know who are genuinely interested in becoming more aware of diversity issues. Together, these links offer research and an understanding of systemic racism and its pervasive impact. While not dharma specific, my hope is that they will penetrate and stimulate your heart mind in ways that benefit all beings who suffer directly and indirectly, visibly and invisibly. May these offerings enrich your practice and your teachings.
Melissa Harris-Perry offers a factual listing of the deaths of unarmed black men in America — YouTubeThe Deaths of Black Men in America
Tim Wise speaks about Brown and the collective impact of white obliviousness as it relates to raceMost White People in America Are Completely Oblivious
For those who may not know what to do in the face of systemic racism:12 Things White People Can Do Now Because of Ferguson — relative to all
This read shares how blacks and whites speak a different language around race and why:The New Threat: Racism without Racists
[Updated 9/7/16 to add further recommended reading:]
The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
Just Mercy: A Story of Justice & Redemption by Bryan Stevenson
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
The Way of Tenderness: Awakening through Race, Sexuality and Gender by Zenju Earthlyn Manuel
Radical Dharma: Talking Race, Love & Liberation by Rev. angel Koyodo williams, Lama Rod Owens, Jasmine Syedullah
Belonging: A Culture of Place by bell hooks
Dear White America: Letter to a New Minority by Tim Wise
Waking Up White, and Finding myself in the Story of Race by Debby Irving
Between Barack and a Hard Place: Racism and White Denial in the Age of Obama by Tim Wise
Mindful of Race – A Stimulus for Social Healing & Leadership (2017 Publication Release) by Ruth King
For those of you in the Bay Area, here’s a beautiful opportunity to unify our sanghas. EBMC is offering an educational fundraiser that we can all support both physically and financially. Why not go?
On January 15, 2015 between 7-9 PM, EBMC will host Mindfulness and the Possibility of Freedom, a dialogue between Angela Davis and Jon Kabat-Zinn. Join us as they explore the intersections of mindfulness, social justice and social transformation. This is a fundraiser for EBMC, and we expect to sell out so reserve your tickets early. Tickets are on sale at mindfulfreedom.eventbrite.com.
As Adrianne Ross often says: 'May we can wake up, in truth, together!'"[divide style="2"]Ruth King is an Insight Meditation Teacher and Emotional Wisdom author and consultant. King teaches at Insight Meditation communities nationwide. She is a guiding teacher at Insight Meditation Community of Washington, DC, and a member of its Board of Directors. She is also the founder of Mindful Members Practice Community in Charlotte, NC. and offers a retreat to sangha leaders on Mindful of Race. Read more about her work here.