5 things Friday

All the good reads, must-watches, and a heap of gratitude. Here are your antiracism action steps for April 9.

We're feeling extra grateful this week, and wanted to take a moment to THANK YOU. I know, it may not seem very sincere since we are sending this to a couple thousand folks, but honestly, this thank you is specifically for about 50 of you. If you're reading this, you are one of those 50. See, because of, you know, technology, we know that there are consistently 50 people each week who open, read, and click on these emails. Which means there are 50 of you doing these 5 things, which means 250 things are happening every week because of YOU. That's a huge deal.

And I get it—I have plenty of emails in my inbox that I never open. And no, not just spam. They are politicians I support, causes I am down with, and newsletters I have signed up for. Sometimes I just don't get to them. So no shame. Just thanks. For those of you opening, reading and clicking...THANK YOU. Your commitment is exceptional, and you are contributing to real change.

Here are your 5 things.

READ THIS. This profile is a must-read: Dig into the life story of Charles “Chuck” Williams, an iconic activist and co-founder of the National Black Deaf Advocates. Chuck grew up in the projects of Cleveland in the 1930s and lost his hearing at age 12. He was one of the only Black students at a deaf school during a time of strict segregation—an experience that pushed Williams into a life of activism. From mediating with cops and judges and DMV employees on behalf of his Black Deaf peers, to single-handedly suing the national government to get sign language interpreters up on the stage with presidential candidates, Chuck's story is incredible, and he has had a profound influence on disability rights in America. Read and share his story now.

DONATE TO THIS. On March 25, 2021, Chuck Williams celebrated his 90th birthday (!!), and his family publicly announced the formation of the Charles V. Williams Scholarship Fund, which provides financial support for tuition for Black deaf or hard of hearing students seeking a degree from Gallaudet University, with preference given to Black Deaf students from Ohio. Support this necessary fund by donating here.

WATCH THIS. On Wednesday night, HBO debuted Exterminate All The Brutes, a 4-part docuseries that seeks to finally obliterate the myths of an American history written by the winners," and taught for generations. Based on works by three authors and scholars —Sven Lindqvist’s Exterminate All the Brutes, Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz’s An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States, and Michel-Rolph Trouillot’s Silencing the Past — Exterminate All the Brutes revisits and reframes the profound meaning of the Native American genocide and American slavery and their fundamental implications for our present. HBO's landing page for the film also offers recommended reading, resources, and even a syllabus to dive deeper into the works referenced in the series.

JOIN THIS. If there's anyone we want to talk to about all the knowledge packed into Exterminate All The Brutes, it's Dr. Akilah Cadet. And we can! Join her on Instagram live TODAY, April 9th at 2:30pm PT/5:30pm ET in conversation with author Cole Brown @coletdbrown and Marcus Tankard @marcustankard as they discuss the Miseducation of America and A Path to Liberation from white supremacy.

KNOW THIS. All eyes might be on the trial of Derek Chauvin but don't forget there are countless racist acts of violence happening every day, and victims fighting for justice without all the public awareness and support. Kulwa is one—she was the victim of a brutal, racist attack at a music venue in Santa Cruz. Familiarize yourself with her story and share #kulwastory via social media and advocate to #protectblackwomxn.