Priority: Anti-Black Racism
In the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, we are committed to investigating, discussing, and taking action to recognize and to prevent anti-Black racism and violence, as well as structural racism. We are especially focused on research and action related to social policies and reforms.
Anti-Black Racism Initiative
In response to the recent tragic killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and other African Americans—in many of these cases at the hands of law enforcement—this initiative is designed to promote long-term change in the college and on the campus, and beyond.
ABRI Final Report 2020-21
In the fall of 2021, ABRI Director Rashawn Ray and a committee of more than 40 faculty members affiliated with the ABRI presented a final report of findings and recommendations across a broad range of key metrics and priorities to Dean Greg Ball and senior BSOS leadership.
Past Videos, Events and Discussions
Watch and Learn More about our Past Events and Discussions
In the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, we are committed to investigating, discussing, and taking action to recognize and to prevent anti-Black racism and violence, as well as structural racism. We are especially focused on research and action related to social policies and reforms, including policing, judicial processes, and sentencing.
Drawing from our diverse disciplines and the expertise of our faculty, administration, students, staff, and alumni, we seek to provide programming and dialogue that will address these and many more topics in solution- and change-oriented ways.
- Maryland's Broken Parole System - 10/22/2020
- MLAW Panel on Voting Suppression - 10/13/2020
- A Discussion on the First United States Commission on Truth, Racial Healing and…
- Baha'i Chair Annual Lecture: A Conversation on Climate Science, Policy, and Jus…
- Policing and Racism in America: A Virtual Town Hall Event - 6/8/2020
- Baha'i Chair Series on Structural Racism and the Root Causes of Prejudice - Var…
- African-American History and the University of Maryland: Campus Landmark Tours
- Discarding Hate: A Conversation with Derek Black and Rebecca Shankman - Co-spon…
- Social Justice Day 2018: Remarks by Rev. Jesse Jackson - 4/23/2018
- Legacy Video and Event Dedicating the Parren J. Mitchell Art-Sociology Building
Recommended Reading and Resources
The BSOS college recommends several resources for learning more about and taking action in the arena of anti-Black racism and diversity, equity and inclusion.
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"The Covenant with Black America: Ten Years Later" (edited and compiled by Smiley; Smiley Books, 2016)
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"The New Jim Crow:Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness" (Alexander; The New Press, 2020)
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"A Race Is a Nice Thing to Have: A Guide to Being a White Person or Understanding the White Persons in Your Life" (Helms; Cognella, 3rd edition 2020)
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"How to be an Antiracist" (Kendi; Penguin Random House, 2019)
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"Superior: The Return of Race Science" (Saini; Penguin Random House, 2019)
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"The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health" (Walker; New Harbinger Publications, 2020)
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"White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism" (DiAngelo; Beacon Press, 2018)
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"Racism without Racists: Color-Blind Racism and the Persistence of Racial Inequality in America" (Bonilla-Silva; Rowman & Littlefield, 2017)
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"Why are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations about Race" (Daniel Tatum; Basic Books, 2017)
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"Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America" (Kendi; Bold Type Books, 2016)
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"The Psychology of Diversity: Beyond Prejudice and Racism" (Jones, Dovidio, Vietze; Wiley-Blackwell, 2013)
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"The Mis-education of the Negro" (Woodson; Simon & Schuster, 2013)
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"Black Skin, White Masks" (Fanon; Grove Atlantic, 2008)
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"Being a Black Man: At the Corner of Progress and Peril" (Washington Post Staff; Public Affairs, 2007)
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"Let's Get Free: A Hip-Hop Theory of Justice" ( Butler; New Press, 2010)
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"Killing the Black Body: Race, Reproduction, and the Meaning of Liberty" (Roberts; Vintage, 1998)