In his 1967 book Where Do We Go From Here?, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said: “The prescription for the cure rests with the accurate diagnosis of the disease.” That quote rings deeply true in these times after Trump’s election: if we, people who want a world of justice and dignity, want to know what to do in the aftermath of the election, we have to start by studying and understanding why we are here and what sorts of strategies could actually transform what we are facing.
At TESA Collective, we were shaken by Trump’s election. Like many community organizers and educators, we found ourselves hungry for analysis on the situation and guidance on the next steps forward for social movements in this country.
Here are several articles and resources that TESA members have found most helpful.
Andrew Stachiw, TESA worker owner who leads our education work with clients
Andrew’s favorite resource: Opportunities for White People in the Fight for Racial Justice, http://www.whiteaccomplices.org/
Why he chose it: I chose White Accomplices because this election again serves as a reminder of how white people like myself need to stand up and redouble our efforts to combat racism and everything it has infected, from housing and economic access to the environment and education. In turn, this resource, largely compiled and edited by folks of color, serves as an entry point to the many different issues and landscapes where racism must be confronted and combated.
MD Spicer-Sitzes: TESA team member doing communications and outreach
MD’s chosen resource: Post Election Crash Course by Kristina Agbebiyi
Why they chose it: When I came across Agbebiyi’s work I was so grateful that someone offered a resource for folks who are starting to participate more in social movements post-election. The author lays out tips and important definitions in a clear way for new activists, while staying thorough enough for more seasoned activists to appreciate. And for those who prefer a little audio, Politically Reactive Podcast has a Season Finale that reminds me of why it’s important to continue my professional momentum and commitment to the movement over the next four years.
Darya Marchenkova, TESA team member who supports communications
Darya’s chosen piece: Autocracy: Rules for Survival by Masha Gessen
Why she chose it: There was one voice that I found super refreshing and clarifying throughout the election: the Russian-American journalist Masha Gessen. Gessen’s pieces point out that while the US has specific historical conditions that determine race, class, and how they have played out in this election, what’s happening in the US is not exceptional. We have friends in other countries around the world who have experience organizing in conditions like these. We urgently need to hear from them and hear what they’ve learned. Don’t miss Gessen’s other articles as well!
Do you have an article or resource that you’ve found particularly illuminating? Tweet at us: @ToolboxForEd!
Image: Protest near the United Nations Plaza in San Francisco, the day after Donald Trump was elected