identity map

 

Blog #1

 Reading This Book Is Anti-Racist made me stop, think, and look at myself in a deeper way. Some of the ideas in the book felt familiar — like discussions about privilege, race, and systemic injustice but Tiffany Jewell presents them in such a personal, honest, and engaging way that they hit differently. Her voice feels like a conversation with a friend who’s challenging you to be more aware and more active.

One part that really stood out to me was the lesson on “Noticing who has the power.” It made me think about the spaces I move through every day school, social media, even friend groups and how power dynamics show up in all of them. The book doesn’t just talk about racism; it shows how anti-racism starts with understanding yourself and your identity. I finished the book feeling both motivated and a little uncomfortable in a good way. It pushed me to ask, “Am I really doing the work to be anti-racist, or am I just being ‘not racist’?”

Real Connection to the real world:

To connect Jewell’s ideas to what’s happening in the real world, I found an article from the Times Union titled “‘This Book Is Anti-Racist’ author Tiffany Jewell coming to Albany”. In it, Jewell shares a personal story from her own school experience about facing racism from a teacher and how that moment led her to a lifelong commitment to anti-racism education. She talks about the difference between being non-racist and being anti-racist, saying that being “non-racist” just means you think of yourself as a good person, while being “anti-racist” means you actively work to challenge racism wherever it appears.

This connects directly back to the message of her book: anti-racism is something we practice daily, not just something we believe in. In classrooms, workplaces, and communities, we all have the power to create change but only if we’re willing to step up, learn, and act.

Shifting the paradigm

 When I first heard about asset-based thinking, it really shifted how I look at people and situations. Instead of focusing on what’s wrong or what’s missing, this mindset encourages us to see the strengths, talents, and resources that are already there. To me, it’s about recognizing the good and building on it, rather than getting stuck in problems.

When you think about it in school, at work, or in our communities, it’s so easy to point out what’s not working. But asset-based thinking flips that script. It asks, “What skills and abilities do people already have? What resources can we use to make things better?” It’s a more hopeful and empowering way to approach challenges.

Real world connection:

While researching, I came across the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) Institute at DePaul University. They explain how communities that focus on their own skills, networks, and traditions are stronger and more resilient. Instead of waiting for outside help, these communities use what they already have to solve problems and create positive change.

This really hit home for me because it shows how asset-based thinking isn’t just some idea it’s a practical way people are improving their lives and neighborhoods right now. It reminds me that everyone and every community has something valuable to offer, even when times are tough.

Breathe from in the heights

Why it resonates

 “Breathe” really resonates with me. The song expresses the feelings of disappointment and pressure that Nina experiences after leaving college and feeling like she’s letting down her family and community. The honest way she admits her struggles makes the song relatable because many people go through moments where they feel like they’re failing. The repeated message to “breathe” is powerful—it reminds us that it’s okay to pause, take a deep breath, and gather strength before moving forward.

Real world connection

This song connects to the real-world experiences of many first-generation college students who face high expectations from their families and communities. I found an article on Songtell that explains how Nina’s story represents the challenge of balancing personal struggles with external pressures. It highlights the importance of resilience, self-compassion, and having support systems during tough times.