This guide is intended to provide general information for anti-racist learning and practice specific to anti-Black racism. It includes information and resources specific to current dialogues within the University of Denver community, and the resources listed here are by no means exhaustive.
The creators of this guide recognize that systemic racism is prevalent at DU and in the University Libraries, and that our individual biases are at work herein. This guide is not a statement that DU, the University Libraries, or the guide’s creators are exempt from white supremacy, nor is it indicative of its creators’ exemption from further anti-racist work. Simply put, this guide is a set of tools. There’s so much to be done outside of this guide--the work of dismantling white supremacy--and our hope is that these tools serve you well in the work.
The contents of this guide are informed by, among many others, the work of Dr. Nicole A. Cooke, Augusta Baker Chair, University of South Carolina; Trevor A. Dawes, Vice Provost for Libraries and Museums and May Morris University Librarian, University of Delaware; Kaetrena Davis Kendrick, Dean, Ida Jane Dacus Library, Winthrop University; Tarida Anantachai, Lead Librarian, Syracuse University; and the African American Intellectual History Society’s #Charlestonsyllabus.
Note: This guide is intended for self-directed learning. BIPOC faculty, staff, students, and community members are focused on doing what they can to support their communities; they are not accountable to white people on campus who often only show up during times of crisis. If they don’t respond at all, or don’t respond right away when you reach out, respect that.
This guide is built largely around the White Racial Identity Model developed by Dr. Janet E. Helms, which "identifies a continuum that leads to developing an anti-racist identity." The University of Denver is a Predominantly White Institution (PWI), thus we felt this group would be best served by such a guide. The website Racial Equity Tools includes a framework comparison document that can be helpful for explaining distinctions and parallels between frameworks.
Think of this handful of resources--a couple videos, an article, and a not-so-long reading--as your starter kit. There's no set timeframe for you to make it through these viewings and readings, but it probably won't be long before you're ready to take a look at Resources Organized by Stages of White Racial Identity Development.
The Office of Teaching and Learning developed and launched an Inclusive Teaching Practices website and resource guide that includes campus-specific resources and teaching modules on:
To suggest additional content, ask questions, or receive assistance, please contact Dr. Valentina Iturbe-LaGrave, Director of Inclusive Teaching Practices in the Office of Teaching and Learning.
