Committing to diversity and inclusion in integrative care

Address personal biases and implicit racism

Before we look at racism and discrimination as it directly applies to healthcare, the first step practitioners should take is broadening their own awareness of issues regarding race and racism. In “The Antiracism Starter Kit,” author L. Glenise Pike differentiates activism and antiracism. They said activism consists of financially supporting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) organizations and businesses as well as participating in marches, rallies, and protests. While these are crucial activities, they focus on the result and do not address the root cause of racism.

Antiracism, on the other hand, is actively opposing racism and white supremacy in all forms, which Pike said breaks down to three responsibilities:

1. Do the self-work to identify, unpack, and dismantle the ways your behaviors uphold and perpetuate white supremacy.
2. Inspire and encourage others to start this important process for themselves.
3. Compensate BIPOC for their time and resources.

Further, individuals must recognize that becoming antiracist is an ongoing process of awareness, education, and action. Individuals must acknowledge the existence of modern-day racism, as well as identify their own prejudice and biases. The University of Washington, University of Virginia, Harvard University, and Yale University offer a free test to help individuals determine their implicit biases. Click here for more information.

As individuals with privilege, it is our responsibility to learn about ourselves and develop self-awareness as it pertains to prejudice and bias. Take the time to learn about other people, interact with and listen to people of different races, or enroll in formal diversity education either online or through a local college or community group.

There are many sources of antiracism education, from coaching and online courses to webinars and articles. It is also essential for individuals to educate themselves more broadly on how racism and discrimination impacts BIPOC throughout society. Consider the following list of resources as a starting point:

Books

• How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
• Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
• I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown
• Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
• One Person, No Vote by Carol Anderson
• Tears We Cannot Stop by Michael Eric Dyson
• The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
• They Can’t Kill Us All by Wesley Lowery
• When They Call You A Terrorist by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and Asha Bandele
• White Tears/Brown Scars by Ruby Hamad
• Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
• White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo

Media

• 13th
• I Am Not Your Negro
• Whose Streets?
• Just Mercy
• LA 92
• The Hate You Give
• Dear White People
• When They See Us
• Selma
• Watchmen

E-Books

• The Antiracism Starter Kit
• The Anti-Racism & Allyship Journey Workbook

Courses and Webinars

• Understanding Diversity and Inclusion
• Unconscious Bias

Activists and Persons of Influence

• Ericka Hart
• Rachel Ricketts
• Black Lives Matter
• Ibram X. Kendi
• Brittany Packnett Cunningham
• Layla F. Saad
• From Privilege to Progress