Blog
Get the inside scoop about life at U-M and applying to Michigan from current student bloggers, Admissions staff, and guest faculty writers.
Image
Social Justice Education and Advocacy Resources at U-M
The recent media coverage and protests in response to the killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor has brought the existing battle against anti-black racism to the forefront of our attention. In response, many non-black folk such as myself have looked for resources to learn how to become a better ally and support the black community. There are tons of Instagram graphics and Twitter threads written by black people who are more knowledgeable on this very topic, which is why the short list below is by no means comprehensive. But if you are a U-M student, here are some existing resources available to you to consider.
Research
Access MLibrary with your uniqname
MLibrary is probably one of the most underused resources by undergraduates at U-M, probably because we are so geared to just “Googling” it. It’s more than just a way to acquire more credible information – MLibrary gives you access to databases such as the Black Studies Center and research guides on topics like Race in America for those looking to dive deeper into a particular subject.
Connect
Hold your U-M community accountable
Reach out to student organizations that you are a part of on campus and find out if or what they are doing to support the movement.
Dialogue
Request a CommonGround workshop
CommonGround offers one-time workshops on social identity, allyhood, power and oppression, and many other topics, specifically for students looking to engage in dialogue with other students. Currently, workshop requests are closed, but will be reopened later this summer – check out the website for updates or email [email protected] for questions.
Learn
Register for a course in the fall
Here are a few to consider that are still open if you’re a first-year or returning student looking to change their fall schedule:
- AAS 323 - Black Feminist Thought and Practice
- ALA 220 - Foundations of Intergroup Relations
- HISTORY 230 Section 025 - Charting the African American Experience
The current events happening around us can lead to feelings of frustration and fatigue. If you are feeling any of these emotions, see this page made by CAPS or look into virtual services offered by Wolverine Wellness. There are so many existing resources available to us that we should not hesitate to tap into them even when we’re not on campus!
Maryam Masood
Maryam Masood (she/her) is a senior in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts majoring in Organizational Studies. During the year, she keeps busy managing the Michigan Refugee Assistance Program and working as a trainer at Rec Sports. Outside of class and work, she can most likely be found making another cup of coffee, procrastinating at the CCRB, or rewatching Kim's Convenience on Netflix.