Article
Background
The Social Justice Bookshelf project was created to address the lack of diversity in popular book platforms and the overwhelming volume of information available on social justice issues. It aims to prioritize books written by BIPOC, female, disabled, and LGBTQIA+ authors, putting social justice topics at the forefront. Additionally, the project seeks to make it easier for individuals looking to educate themselves on social justice by providing a clear, curated overview of resources that cater to different interests and reading levels.
Approach & Methodology
The project’s approach involves curating a diverse collection of books that cover social justice topics and are written by marginalized authors. It is designed to help people navigate the overwhelming amount of material available on these issues. The collection includes books that cater to a variety of reading levels and interests, ensuring accessibility for beginners and seasoned readers alike. Additionally, the project aims to counter the oversimplification of social justice issues often found in social media infographics by promoting more detailed and nuanced sources.
The Social Justice Bookshelf also intentionally includes resources that focus not just on violence and oppression, but also on the joy, love, and culture within marginalized communities. This is to provide a more balanced and multidimensional view of these communities, counteracting the tendency to focus solely on trauma and hardship.
Next Steps
Moving forward, the project plans to expand its collection by continuously adding new and relevant books. It will also promote the bookshelf on social media and other platforms to reach a wider audience. The project may collaborate with bookstores, libraries, and social justice organizations to increase its impact. Additionally, there could be plans to engage readers through book clubs or discussion groups to deepen the understanding of the materials and foster community dialogue around social justice topics.