Educate Yourself

Here is a list of resources that align with the themes of the Black Exhale Nest project, focusing on Black authors and organizations. We've included a brief description for each resource, explaining its relevance to the project:

"How the Formerly Incarcerated Re-Enter Society" by The Atlantic

This short documentary, produced by The Atlantic, features two organizations working to support formerly incarcerated individuals as they navigate the challenges of re-entering society. Norris Henderson, from The First 72+, discusses the importance of providing immediate assistance to those released from prison, offering housing, employment, and other essential resources. Dianne Jones, founder of The Movement, Inc., highlights the transformative power of sanctuary and economic opportunity in helping formerly incarcerated women build new lives to avoid returning to prison.

"How racism makes us sick" by David R. Williams

In this TED Talk, David R. Williams explores the profound impact of racism on the physical and mental health of Black Americans. He shares shocking data and personal stories that illustrate the devastating toll of discrimination on the body and mind, and he offers strategies for building a more just and equitable society.

"My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies" by Resmaa Menakem

This book explores the impact of racial trauma on the body and offers practices for healing and resilience. It provides a framework for understanding and addressing the intergenerational effects of racism.

"The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness" by Michelle Alexander

This groundbreaking book examines the racial dimensions of mass incarceration in the United States, arguing that the criminal justice system functions as a contemporary system of racial control.

"Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America's Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing" by Dr. Joy DeGruy

This book explores the impact of slavery and its aftermath on the mental and emotional health of African Americans. It offers strategies for healing and empowerment in the face of intergenerational trauma.

"The Little Book of Race and Restorative Justice: Black Lives, Healing, and US Social Transformation" by Fania E. Davis

This book explores the potential of restorative justice practices to address racial harm and promote healing and reconciliation. It offers a framework for building a more just and equitable society.

"Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds" by adrienne maree brown

This book offers a visionary framework for social transformation grounded in the wisdom of nature and the power of collective action. It provides tools and strategies for building resilient and adaptive movements for change.

"Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good" by adrienne maree brown 

This book explores the liberatory potential of pleasure and joy in the face of oppression and trauma. It offers a framework for building a more just and fulfilling world through the cultivation of radical love and happiness.

"The Four Pivots: Reimagining Justice, Reimagining Ourselves" by Shawn A. Ginwright

This book offers a powerful framework for transforming the broken systems of justice and oppression that have harmed Black communities. Ginwright argues that true change requires a fundamental shift in our understanding of justice, moving from a focus on punishment to a focus on healing, restoration, and transformation at both the individual and collective levels.

The National Bailout Collective

The National Bailout Collective is a Black-led and Black-centered organization working to end systems of pretrial detention and mass incarceration. They provide resources and support for those impacted by the criminal justice system.

The Sentencing Project

The Sentencing Project is a research and advocacy organization working to reduce racial disparities in the criminal justice system. Their reports and resources offer valuable insights into the impact of incarceration on Black communities.

The Audre Lorde Project

The Audre Lorde Project is a community organizing center for LGBTQ+ people of color. They provide resources and support for those impacted by violence, incarceration, and oppression.

The Equal Justice Initiative

The Equal Justice Initiative is a nonprofit organization committed to ending mass incarceration and challenging racial and economic injustice. Their reports and resources provide important context for understanding the history and impact of racial violence in the United States.

The BEAM Collective

The BEAM Collective is a national training, movement building, and grant making institution dedicated to the healing, wellness, and liberation of Black communities. They provide resources and support for Black emotional and mental health.

The Healing Justice Toolkit

The Healing Justice Toolkit is a collection of resources and practices for individuals and communities engaged in the work of healing and liberation. From a collaborative campaign with Dignity & Power Now! and Justice Teams Network, the kit offers guidance for integrating healing justice into social justice movements.