ZSR Library offers this research guide as a resource for WFU faculty and Education students who wish to implement and further their understanding of anti-racist pedagogy. By no means is this guide exhaustive, and we recognize that the resources identified here inherently reflect the developer's biases. ZSR does not position itself as an expert on anti-racist pedagogy, but we strive to grow alongside you. We welcome feedback and suggestions -- please direct them here.
What is anti-racist pedagogy?
"Anti-racist pedagogy is not a prescribed method that can simply be applied to our teaching, nor does it end with incorporating racial content into courses. More importantly, anti-racist pedagogy is an intentional and strategic organizing effort in which we incorporate anti-racist approaches into our teaching as well as apply anti-racist values into our various spheres of influence. It requires the professor’s humility, critical reflection of our social position, and commitment as we begin and continue to confront our internalized racial oppression or internalized racial superiority and how those impact our teaching, research, and work in the university and community. This is an ongoing process that strives for institutional change, and requires the collaboration and support of anti-racist educators across disciplines," (Kishimoto, 2018, p. 551).
Importance of Action
As stated by Nicole A. Cooke (2020), "Just reading is not engaging or absorbing the key points and demands of anti-racism. Just reading encourages performative gestures of outrage and solidarity, and perpetuates the actual problem of systemic oppression." She suggests that three stages in the lifelong process of becoming anti-racist include critical self-reflection, achieving critical consciousness, and engaging in action and advocacy. So, while reading and self-education are certainly starting points on the journey to being anti-racist, taking action is critical. Included below are resources for taking action both on WFU's campus and in the Winston-Salem community.
Wake Forest University
Get involved on campus with these related offices and organizations!
- The Intercultural Center
"The Intercultural Center strives to influence campus culture by cultivating intercultural knowledge, competency and leadership. We are committed to enhancing the experience of domestic and international underrepresented groups by offering co-curricular programming, student support and engagement, identity development initiatives and opportunities for comprehensive learning and development." - Office of Civic and Community Engagement -- Social Justice Engagement
"The Office of Civic & Community Engagement is the hub of community-based activity at Wake Forest University. In the spirit of Pro Humanitate, we engage community partners, faculty, staff, and students to create meaningful social change. The Office aims to leverage resources, build capacity, and incubate community initiatives in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and beyond." - Office of Diversity and Inclusion
"The Office of Diversity and Inclusion supports the University’s mission of creating a more diverse learning community. Developmental and proactive in its approach, as well as reactive to the constant challenges to inclusion and equity in our community and in our society, ODI organizes its efforts around offering compelling and representative programming, influencing and enhancing equitable policies, and elevating and informing inclusive practices." - Realizing Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (RIDE) Framework"As an institution, we have adopted the RIDE Framework as our guidepost for Inclusive Excellence. Through our individual commitments, departmental and organizational actions, and institutional accountability, we move forward into a better and more inclusive Wake Forest University."
"This 25-minute video is your introduction to all things RIDE! We will provide you with an overview of Wake Forest University’s framework for Inclusive Excellence, the targets and tools available through the RIDE site, and offer strategies to build personal readiness of diversity, equity, and inclusion work."
Winston-Salem
Take action in the Winston-Salem community with this (non-exhaustive) list of local organizations!
How to be anti-racist and support Black orgs in the Triad by Sayaka Matsuoka, Triad City Beat, 2020
- Action4Equity (A4E)
"A Black-led, intentionally multi-racial coalition of educators, parents, students, faith leaders, and community members building a movement to advance equity for students," in W-S schools. - Equity Forsyth
Resource website centered around racial equity, justice, and educational equity, created "to be able to get connected to the individuals and groups doing the work on the ground in Winston-Salem." - Forsyth County Freedom Federation"The People's liberation movement from the status quo. We bring together progressive voices of our community to represent the values of everyday people." Follow them on Facebook, Twitter (@ForsythFreedom), or Instagram (@ForsythFreedomFed)
- Hate Out of Winston
"Ragtag radicals fighting for Black lives through policy change." Follow them on Facebook, Twitter (@out_winston), or Instagram (@HateOutOfWinston) - Triad Abolition Project
"We seek to abolish [incarceration] completely with education and dedication, so that we can replace it with systems of care for our communities. We seek to provide and create abolitionist education; amplify the voices of our Black community leaders; monitor and empower local abolitionist progress and policy proposals; and share accessible, accountable, and responsible abolitionist actions."
Wake Forest University is located on the traditional lands of the Tutelo/Yesan, Sappony, and Keyauwee nations.
To learn more about Indigenous land acknowledgements, visit this guide from the Native Governance Center.
To find out which Indigenous territories you occupy, use this tool from Native Land.