We have curated a collection of resources that celebrate diverse cultures and promote cultural understanding. The following books and films can be found at the university library or online. The podcasts have their own official website and are available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Please note that availability may vary by region.
Books
Title
Author
Summary
Americanah
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This novel follows the lives of two Nigerians who migrate to the U.S. and UK exploring themes of race identity and the immigrant experience.
The Namesake
Jhumpa Lahiri
The story of a Bengali couple who immigrate to America and their American-born son navigating cultural differences identity and the complexity of being second-generation immigrants.
Interpreter of Maladies
Jhumpa Lahiri
This Pulitzer-winning collection of short stories explores themes of love diaspora and cultural identity offering a window into the experiences of South Asian immigrants.
Between the World and Me
Ta-Nehisi Coates
Written as a letter to his son Coates explores the realities of being Black in the United States with profound insights into race and identity.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Maya Angelou
This autobiography depicts Angelou's childhood in the racially charged South her struggles her triumphs and her journey to self-discovery.
The House on Mango Street
Sandra Cisneros
This novel tells the story of a young Latina girl growing up in Chicago offering insights into her experiences with poverty and her Mexican American identity.
The Good Immigrant
Nikesh Shukla
This collection of essays by 21 Black Asian and minority ethnic writers living in the UK provides a thought-provoking and powerful exploration of what it means to be ‘other’ in a country that doesn’t seem to want you.
The Joy Luck Club
Amy Tan
The book presents the intergenerational struggles and life stories of four Chinese immigrant families in San Francisco.
White Teeth
Zadie Smith
Set in London this novel explores friendship love war three cultures three families over three generations and the tricky way the past has of coming back and to bite you on the ankle.
The Kite Runner
Khaled Hosseini
A powerful story of friendship family and redemption set against the backdrop of Afghanistan's tumultuous history offering a rare insight into the life and culture of the country.
Films
Film
Summary
"Moonlight" (Directed by Barry Jenkins)
This Oscar-winning film presents a tender heart-breaking story of a young man's struggle to find himself told across three defining chapters in his life as he experiences the ecstasy pain and beauty of falling in love while grappling with his own sexuality.
"Crazy Rich Asians" (Directed by Jon M. Chu)
This romantic comedy based on the novel by Kevin Kwan offers an entertaining and insightful look at the experiences culture and opulent lifestyles of Asian elites.
"Coco" (Directed by Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina)
This heart-warming Pixar film uses beautiful animation and storytelling to explore Mexican culture focusing on the tradition of the Day of the Dead.
"The Farewell" (Directed by Lulu Wang)
A touching drama based on an actual lie about a Chinese family deciding not to tell their grandmother about her terminal illness this film explores cultural differences and family bonds.
"Hidden Figures" (Directed by Theodore Melfi)
This movie tells the real-life story of three brilliant African American women working at NASA who served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history while dealing with racial and gender bias in 1960s America.
"Parasite" (Directed by Bong Joon-ho)
This South Korean dark comedy thriller explores themes of class ambition and social inequality highlighting the stark differences between the lives of the rich and the poor.
"Black Panther" (Directed by Ryan Coogler)
This superhero movie presents a nuanced portrayal of African culture and identity and engages with deep themes of leadership legacy and change.
"The Lunchbox" (Directed by Ritesh Batra)
This Indian film tells a heart-warming story of connection and discovery set against the backdrop of Mumbai's dabbawalas (lunchbox delivery system).
"Roma" (Directed by Alfonso Cuarón)
This semi-autobiographical film set in Mexico City provides a beautiful and moving tribute to the women from Cuarón's childhood exploring themes of love sacrifice and social hierarchy.
"The Colour of Fear" (Directed by Lee Mun Wah)
The film explores candid conversations among eight men from diverse racial backgrounds about their experiences with racism revealing the deep-seated biases and stereotypes that persist highlighting the need for ongoing dialogue and understanding to combat racism effectively.
"Slumdog Millionaire" (Directed by Danny Boyle)
This British drama presents the harsh realities of life in the slums of Mumbai while telling an engaging story of love destiny and resilience.
Podcasts
Podcast
Summary
"Code Switch" (NPR)
This podcast tackles the subject of race head-on exploring how it impacts every part of society — from politics and pop culture to history sports and everything in between.
"The Stoop" (by Leila Day and Hana Baba)
This podcast tells stories from across the black diaspora and unpacks the conversations often avoided about what it means to be black.
"Asian Enough" (Los Angeles Times)
A podcast about being Asian American — the joys the complications and everything else in between.
"Latinos Who Lunch" (by FavyFav and Babelito)
This podcast discusses culture food history and identity within the Latinx community providing a refreshing perspective on contemporary issues.
"The Diversity Gap" (by Bethaney Wilkinson)
A podcast where scholars artists and entrepreneurs share their inspiring work to close the gap between our good intentions and true cultural change.
"Intersections" (by Jamil Smith)
In this podcast Smith takes a deep dive into how identity shapes our politics our performance arts and our criminal justice system.
"Good Muslim Bad Muslim" (by Taz Ahmed and Zahra Noorbakhsh)
This podcast explores the American Muslim female experience with humour and thought-provoking discussions.
"Still Processing" (The New York Times)
Wesley Morris and Jenna Wortham two culture writers for The New York Times chat about the implications of cultural events and trends.
"Anzaldúaing" (by Yvette Martinez)
This podcast dives deep into the exploration of culture identity and intersectionality.
"Nancy" (WNYC Studios)
A podcast with stories and conversations about the queer experience today.
Music
Spotify Playlist
Summary
"African Heat"
This playlist curates the best of African beats and sounds celebrating the rich musical heritage and diversity of the continent.
"Baila Reggaeton"
Get a taste of Latinx musical culture with this playlist featuring popular reggaeton tracks.
"Desi Hits"
This playlist showcases popular hits from the Indian subcontinent reflecting the vibrant and diverse music of this region.
"POLLEN"
POLLEN represents a diverse genre-less and borderless music playlist curated by Spotify offering a blend of various musical styles and cultures.
"Soul Coffee"
This playlist brings together smooth beats jazz and soul from a variety of artists often featuring Black artists' contributions to these genres.
Educational Resources on Racial Bias
Project
Summary
Link
Harvard's Project Implicit
Offers a racial bias test that helps uncover unconscious biases to better understand and address these biases. Through increased awareness and understanding the test can foster empathy promote inclusive environments and strengthen advocacy for policies aimed at reducing bias.
The Guide to Allyship is an open-source resource to help individuals learn about and practice allyship a lifelong process of building relationships based on trust consistency and accountability with marginalized individuals or groups. The guide provides actionable steps to become a more effective ally enabling people to actively participate in promoting social justice and equality.
Coursera - Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History
This comprehensive course by the University of Illinois provides a broad understanding of racial and ethnic issues in America. This course offers historical and sociocultural perspectives.
National Museum of African American History & Culture - Talking About Race
Provides tools and guidance for understanding discussing and acknowledging the impact of race and racism. It encourages productive conversations about racial identities and systemic issues fostering increased understanding and empathy to create more inclusive environments.
The Diversity Toolkit: A Guide to Discussing Identity Power and Privilege
Offers a framework for exploring topics related to identity power and privilege. It aids in facilitating informed and sensitive discussions around these subjects promoting a culture of empathy understanding and inclusivity in diverse environments.
Gives research and policy ideas with the goal of creating an antiracist society. The centre’s resources help individuals and institutions including universities to understand confront and challenge systemic racism contributing to a more inclusive and equitable environment.
This is a digital experience that encourages individuals to confront their unconscious biases or 'blind spots'. By helping students identify and acknowledge their own biases this resource fosters self-awareness and contributes to creating a more inclusive equitable university environment.
Rethink Mental Health - Offers information and support for BAME individuals facing mental health issues, including overcoming barriers and accessing care.
Mental Health UK - A comprehensive list of support services including The Empowerment Group, Black Minds Matter UK, and Language Line Solutions.
Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust - Founded in memory of Stephen Lawrence, who was killed in a racist attack, this charity works to inspire and enable young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed.
Black Lives Matter UK (BLM UK) - This is a coalition of Black activists and organizers across the UK. They've been active in the struggle for justice for Black people and against racism in various forms.
Southall Black Sisters - They offer specialist advice, information, casework, advocacy, counselling, and self-help support services in several community languages, especially for Asian and Afro-Caribbean women.
Race Equality Foundation - This foundation promotes race equality in social support and public services.
Muslim Women's Network UK - This charity works to improve social justice and equality for Muslim women in the UK.
The Monitoring Group - This is a leading anti-racist charity that challenges hate crimes, supports victims, and promotes civil rights.
Voice4Change England - It's a national advocate for the Black and Minority Ethnic voluntary and community sector (BMS VCS). They champion the role of BME VCS as a driver of positive change and provide a coordinated policy voice for their members.
