If your squad was on the front lines of the Women’s March on Washington (or Seattle, New York, Hong Kong, or wherever) in January, then you know the #Resistance didn’t stop after the march ended.
In fact, the Women’s March program, called 10 Actions in 100 Days, is still going strong. In the latest action, the group’s fifth, they ask supporters to “Reflect and Resist” — in other words, to read, watch, and discuss information and points of view about feminism and politics that might help inform political action.
“Action five is designed to educate some, and refresh others, through study, reflection, and courageous conversations, so that we can all be empowered by, and learn from, the work of activists who came before us, while being mindful not to perpetuate the mistakes of the past,” organizers said.
So the Women’s March put together a list of resources to check out during the reflection portion of resistance. Here they are. Now find your tribe (or branch out to others) and huddle to discuss what you take away from they key cultural texts, then chat about them with the hashtag #ReflectAndResist on social media.
"I want you to realize your voice matters. Writing is a form of activism." #ReflectAndResisthttps://t.co/Pc0GBAyixW
— Women's March (@womensmarch) March 20, 2017
Books
"This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color"
Edited By: Cherríe Moraga and Gloria E. Anzaldúa
This 1981 classic is still relevant today, teeming with essays, poetry, and criticism from women of color who explore the intersection of race, class, gender, and sexuality, and how they all relate to #feminism.
"Feminism Is For Everybody"
By Bell Hooks
If you’re still trying to convince any bros in your life that they need feminism, too, start with this be-all, end-all text from the legendary feminist bell hooks. It’s accessible, inspiring, and short.
"The Miner’s Canary"
By Lani Guinier and Gerald Torres
When you’ve covered Feminism 101, it’s time to make sure you’re thinking about how women’s issues and racial issues intersect and how both reveal societal problems that affect everyone. This book also offers strategies for building coalitions and solving those problems, making it a key text for both reflecting and resisting.
"Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More"
By Janet Mock
One of the most visible advocates of the transgender community, Janet Mock’s bestselling memoir is a first-hand account of how race, gender, and class intersect in America today.
"Fading Scars: My Queer Disability History"
By Corbett Joan O’Toole
The Women’s March is about inclusiveness, and this book helps draw readers’ attention to how disabled Americans feel included and excluded from society’s most basic forms of socializing: sports, dancing, organizing, even parenting. And it’s funny to boot.
Articles
“Why Lemonade Is for Black Women”
By Dominique Matti
This stunning, powerful essay is about way more than Beyoncé: “My pain demands acknowledgement. I will hold the world accountable. I will make it see me, Black woman and all.”
“This Is What I Mean When I Say White Feminism”
By Cate Young
A refresher on how privilege works.
“They Pretend to Be Us While Pretending We Don’t Exist”
By Jenny Zhang
Racism can be blatant or indirect, and can infiltrate our thinking about all sorts of things, including the quality of books.
“Self-Portraits”
By Devan Diaz
How girlhood feels when it arrives slowly to a transitioning transgender woman.
“Integrating Disability, Transforming Feminist Theory”
By Rosemarie Garland-Thomson
Where do disability studies and gender studies overlap? Garland-Thomson wants to tell you.
Movies
“She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry” (2014)
This documentary shows how it all began with a look at the “buried history of the outrageous, often brilliant women who founded the modern women's movement from 1966 to 1971.” Watch now.
“Made in L.A.” (2007)
Women of color have some of the toughest jobs with the lowest wages in the US, but they’ve been resisting for years. Watch now.
MAJOR! - A New Documentary Film - Official Trailer from Plot Point Productions on Vimeo.
“MAJOR!” (2016)
“MAJOR!” chronicles the life and campaigns of Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, a 75-year-old black, transgender elder and activist who has been fighting for the rights of trans women of color for over 40 years. Watch now.
“Don’t Tell Anyone (No Le Digas a Nadie)” (2015)
Immigrant activist Angy Rivera joins a generation of Dreamers ready to push for change in the only home she's ever known — the United States. Watch now.
“Free Angela and All Political Prisoners” (2015)
“Free Angela” tells the story Angela Davis, the college professor and activist who as a young woman was jailed for her involvement in the deaths of four individuals. Learn more.